The respective ambassadors and high commissioners of Philippines, New Zealand and Nigeria to the Maldives have presented their credentials to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
The new Ambassador of Philippines to the Maldives Alan L. Deniega presented his credentials to President Solih on November 15 during a special ceremony held at the President’s Office. President Solih welcomed the Filipino ambassador to the Maldives, congratulating him on his appointment and conveying warm wishes to the President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte and the people of the Philippines, on his behalf and on behalf of the Maldives’ government and people.
The president and ambassador discussed topics of mutual interest during this meeting, including the current state of COVID-19 in both countries, climate change and vulnerabilities, and people-to-people connections. The new Filipino ambassador expressed gratitude for the Maldivian government's hospitality and assistance to the Filipino population in the Maldives, and stated that he looks forward to working as the Maldives' non-resident ambassador.
The new High Commissioner of New Zealand to the Maldives, Michael Edward Appleton, also presented his credentials to President Solih on November 15. President Solih welcomed the high commissioner to the Maldives and congratulated him on his appointment. He also stated that the Maldives and New Zealand celebrated 47 years of bilateral relations last year, and that the Maldives regards New Zealand as a good ally and partner. He added that the Maldives and New Zealand have a bilateral relationship based on shared principles and interests, particularly in international fora, and that one of the most important areas of concern for both countries is the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
Other topics of discussion include expanding access to higher education, both countries' current COVID-19 situation, peace and security, and high-level people-to-people engagement. In conclusion, the president and high commissioner expressed their confidence that the Maldives-New Zealand partnership would thrive further in the days ahead.
Furthermore, the new High Commissioner of Nigeria to the Maldives Abioye Mohammed Bello also presented his credentials to President Solih on November 15. President Solih welcomed the Nigerian high commissioner to the Maldives, congratulating him on his appointment and extending best wishes to the President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari, on his behalf and on behalf of the Maldives’ government and people.
The President stated that the Maldives and Nigeria have had historical bilateral connections for 40 years and that the Maldivian government is determined to strengthen these bilateral ties based on shared principles. Concluding the meeting, the president expressed his congratulations on the appointment of the high commissioner and expressed hope that the Maldives-Nigeria relationship would strengthen further in the coming years.