Discussions have been held on mutually beneficial trade opportunities between the government of Maldives and the Republic of the Gambia.
This was done following a ceremony where the new High Commissioner of the Gambia to Maldives Mustapha Jawara, presented his Letter of Credence to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
The ceremony was held at the President’s Office on Monday.
The meeting that followed, saw President Solih welcoming the high commissioner to Maldives and congratulating him on his appointment.
The Maldivian leader and the Gambian HC held discussions regarding the long-standing friendly relations between Maldives and Gambia.
Further, the president noted that both countries share numerous mutual values such as a shared belief in Islam, historical ties, democratic principles as well as membership in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Commonwealth of Nations.
Discussions also revolved around bilateral, multilateral relations and expanding mutually beneficial trade opportunities.
The Maldivian president highlighted that the island nation’s intervention in support of the Gambia's case at the International Court of Justice on safeguarding the rights of the Rohingya people was a perfect example of international collaboration with the Gambia
The meeting saw the Gambian HC expressing keen interest to collaborate with the government of Maldives, to exchange knowledge and expertise in agriculture, tourism and fisheries.
He went on to express interest to seek assistance to train diplomats from the Gambia through the Foreign Service Institute of Maldives (FOSIM). In this regard, the Maldivian president assured him that this request would be fully considered.
President Solih also welcomed mutually beneficial collaboration with the Gambia in promoting tourism.
The Maldivian president and the Gambian HC expressed mutual commitment to further strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Diplomatic relations were established between Maldives and the Gambia on 3 July 1989.
