Ministers to hold underwater meeting

Ministers in the Maldives have continued their preparations for an underwater discussion to highlight the threat of climate change.

The cabinet members have taken scuba diving lessons and learned underwater signs ahead of the meeting, The AP reports.

Official Aminath Shaunsaid said: "The intention is to draw the attention of the world leaders to the issue of global warming and highlight how serious are the threats faced by Maldives as a result."

All 14 cabinet ministers will attend the October 17 meeting, which will take place six metres underwater.

The Maldives is the lowest-lying nation on the planet, with its islands situated an average of 2.13 metres above sea level.