President says don't want first class travel

President Mohamed Muizzu said on Sunday that he does not want to travel first class in order to cut costs during his trips abroad.

Speaking to reporters at the VIP lounge of Velana International Airport (VIA) after concluding his official visit to Türkiye and Dubai to attend COP28, the President said that neither he nor his deputy wish to travel in first class.

"I have told the Chief of Staff and the Presidential Affairs Minister that neither I nor the Vice President want to travel in first class," he said.

However, he did not get a business class ticket for this trip.

"... This time I could not get a business class ticket. It was full and then these people said they have no choice. I and PSO have to go in first class," he said.

"I don't want to travel in first class. I don't want to go above business class”.

The President said that he would like for his trips abroad to achieve something that will bring progress to the people.

The President said he pays special attention to the cost of travel. He also clarified the reason and purpose of the delegation that accompanied him.

“This time too, I looked and asked what so many people were going for and what purpose they were going for,” he said.

The President said he would give high priority to keeping travel as cost-effective as possible.

The President has decided to disclose the details of the expenditure on official visits within 15 days of the end of each visit.