Maldives Non-Resident High Commissioner to Seychelles, Omar Abdul Razzak has presented his credentials to President Wavel Ramkalawan on Tuesday.

Razzak presented his letter of credence at a ceremony at the State House in Seychelles’ capital Victoria which was followed by a meeting with the Seychelles’ president.

Noting that it was a “high honor” to present his credential to President Ramkalawan, the Maldives high commissioner said that he looks forward “enhance and increase excellent ties of bilateral and multilateral cooperation.”

In a press release, the Office of the President of the Republic of Seychelles said that President Ramkalawan had expressed hope that the two countries will further develop the warm and friendly relations during Razzak’s tenure.

While Razzak is the first Maldivian High Commissioner to Seychelles since diplomatic relations were established in 1980, the president said that this opens “a new chapter” in the collaboration between the two countries and reassured his commitment “to consolidate further the cooperation between the two countries.” He also noted that Seychelles and Maldives share common concerns being island nations, such as climate change and coastal erosion.

During the meeting, High Commissioner Razzak and President Ramkalawan also discussed avenues of cooperation such as internships for Seychelles nationals in the Tourism Industry, scholarships in the field of Maritime studies, aviation, fisheries and investments.

During his visit to State House, Razzak also held discussions with Vice-President Ahmed Afif. Of Maldivian descent, Afif is the son of the late Abdulla Afif, leader of United Suvadive Republic formed in the south of Maldives in 1959. Afif was born in Seychelles and has filled the post of numerous senior government officials.

Congratulating Razzak, Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid expressed confidence in his “abilities to enhance the ties between Maldives and Seychelles”.

Omar Abdul Razzak is also Maldives’ Resident High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, as well as Non-Resident Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Mauritius and Qatar.