President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has received the Letters of Credence from the newly appointed Non-Resident Ambassadors of Portugal, Bhutan, Austria, Burkina Faso, Turkmenistan and Laos.
At separate ceremonies held at the President’s Office, the ambassadors were escorted in a traditional 'Haiykolhu' cultural procession, accompanied by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Drum and Trumpet Band. The President then accepted their Letters of Credence and formally welcomed them to their roles. Following the ceremony, the President and the ambassadors held separate discussions on areas of mutual interest.
Discussions on tourism and hospitality cooperation with Bhutan
Following the presentation of credentials, the newly appointed Non-Resident Ambassador of Bhutan and President Dr Mohamed Muizzu discussed areas of mutual interest, including tourism and the exchange of expertise in the hospitality sector, while reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and the Kingdom of Bhutan were established on 13 July 1984.
Climate, tourism and multilateral cooperation discussed with Portugal
The newly appointed Non-Resident Ambassador of Portugal, João Manuel Mendes Ribeiro de Almeida and President Muizzu discussed areas of mutual interest, including coordinated efforts to address climate change, promote tourism, and enhance multilateral cooperation. Both sides concluded by reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the years to come.
Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Portugal were established on 9 February 1995.
Tourism, climate and fisheries cooperation discussed with Austria
Non-Resident Ambassador of Austria, Dr Robert Zischg and the President held discussions on areas of mutual interest, including tourism, multilateral cooperation, climate action, fisheries cooperation, and scholarship opportunities in diplomatic training.
Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and the Republic of Austria were established on 1 March 1978.
Development and sectoral cooperation discussed with Burkina Faso
Dr Désiré Boniface Some, the Non-Resident Ambassador of Burkina Faso and President Muizzu spoke on areas of mutual interest, including development cooperation, tourism, infrastructure, and fisheries. Both sides concluded by reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Burkina Faso were established on 29 December 2011.
Discussions on economic and connectivity cooperation with Turkmenistan
Shalar Geldynazarov, the Non-Resident Ambassador of Turkmenistan and President Muizzu discussed several areas of mutual interest, including expanding cooperation in economic development, investment opportunities, and connectivity, and expressed their shared commitment to advancing collaboration for the mutual benefit of both countries.
Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Turkmenistan were established on 25 September 1992.
New avenues of cooperation explored with Laos
During discussions with the newly appointed Non-Resident Ambassador of Laos, Vithaya Xayavong and President Muizzu reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and discussed exploring new avenues of cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Laos were established on 10 February 2012.