Discussions have been held on further consolidating bilateral ties between Maldives and South Africa.

The discussions were held between Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel and the newly appointed Non-Resident High Commissioner of South Africa to the Maldives, Sandile Edwin Schalk on Wednesday.

The meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Welcoming the high commissioner to Maldives, the state minister congratulated him on presenting credentials as the Non-Resident High Commissioner from South Africa, to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

He went on to shed light on the long-standing bonds of friendship between the Maldives and South Africa.

The meeting also saw the state minister and South African HC exchanging views on further consolidating bilateral ties and intensifying collaboration and exchanges between Maldives and South Africa.

The South African HC assured that he remains committed to work closely with the government of Maldives, with renewed focus in areas of mutual interest including tourism, trade and education.

The meeting was joined by Additional Secretary Mohamed Faisal and Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Moomina Ibrahim.