The Australian High Commissioner & the UAE Ambassador Presents Credentials to President

On Monday, the High Commissioner of the Commonwealth of Australia to the Republic of Maldives, H.E. David Jessup and the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the Republic of Maldives, Sheikh Rahma bin Abdul Rahman bin Rahma Al Shamsi presented their letters of credence to the President of the Maldives, H.E. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The presentation took place at a formal ceremony held at the President’s Office.

Australian High Commissioner – David Jessup

During the meeting with the Australian High Commissioner, President Solih warmly welcomed him to the Maldives and congratulated him on his appointment. While speaking at the meeting, both the President and High Commissioner Jessup noted the timely nature of the opening of the Australian High Commission in the Maldives with next year marking the 50^th anniversary since the establishment of bilateral relations between the two countries.

President Solih also emphasized the significant steps taken to strengthen ties between the Maldives and Australia and expressed his gratitude to the Australian government for their assistance in facilitating capacity-building and training opportunities for the Maldives. On this note, he added that those endeavours have greatly contributed towards national development.

At the meeting, both parties discussed various topics of mutual interest including higher education, trade, climate change, air connectivity, tourism, defence and security as well as economic cooperation. The discussions concluded with both leaders reiterating their commitment to enhancing friendship and collaboration between both sides in the future.

Ambassador of UAE – Sheikh Rahma bin Abdul Rahman bin Rahma al Shamsi

During the ceremony, President Solih expressed his pleasure in welcoming Ambassador Sheikh Rahma to the Maldives and both dignitaries ventured to discuss the strong bilateral relations existing between the Maldives and UAE. The President and Sheikh Rahma also explored potential avenues for further cooperation in the coming years.

The President also shed light on the prominent role played by the UAE as an important developmental partner for the Maldives and their valued contributions which have helped shaped the Maldivian economy. Before concluding the ceremony, the President and the Ambassador reaffirmed their commitment to consolidate bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.