Maldives attaches high importance to its relations with Canada, says President

Canada's new Ambassador to the Maldives, David McKinnon presented his credentials to President Abdulla Yameen on Wednesday.

A ceremony was held at the President's Office on Wednesday morning, where the President noted that McKinnon's accreditation serves "as a stepping stone to further consulate the existing relations".

Speaking afterwards, President Yameen spoke regarding the "high importance" of Maldives' relations with Canada.

Noting that this year marks the 36th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between two countries, President Yameen expressed his appreciation for "the continued support and cooperation" from Canada over the years.

The President further spoke on the Maldives' role in "environmental conservation in the tourism industry and pledged the full support of the Maldives to further the cause of climate change".

"Other potential areas of cooperation discussed included further enhancing Canadian investments in the tourism sector," said the President's Office.

Speaking at the meeting, the Ambassador assured Canada's full support and commitment in further enhancing cooperation with the Maldives "in the areas discussed, and to exploring new areas of collaboration".

McKinnon further commended the Maldives for its leading role "in the environmental conservation arena," pledging that Canada will fully support the cause "particularly in relation to climate change and environmental protection".

Foreign Minister Dr. Mohamed Asim, Minister of State for Foreign Relations at the President's Office Mohamed Naseer attended the accreditation ceremony and subsequent meeting, while Ambassador McKinnon was joined by Jennifer Hart, the Political and Economic Counsellor at the High Commission of Sri Lanka and Maldives.

David McKinnon was appointed as the Ambassador to Maldives in August, replacing former Ambassador Shelley Whiting. Whiting served as the Maldives' Ambassador to Canada from 2013 to September 2017.