Maldivians have been visiting Italy in recent years, drawn to its rich heritage and welcoming culture, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

The President said this during a formal ceremony held at the President’s Office on Monday afternoon in which newly appointed Ambassador of Italy to the Maldives, Rita Giuliana Mannella presented her letter of credence.

Following the formalities, the pair discussed ways to strengthen the existing cooperation between both countries on areas such as tourism and environment protection.

In addition, President Solih and Ambassador Mannella acknowledged the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government and University of Milano-Bicocca. They went on to express hope for enhanced cooperation on marine research as well as climate change issues.

Maldives “deeply values” the longstanding, friendly relations between both countries, the President added, emphasizing on the increasing number of Italian tourists visiting Maldives over the years.

Ambassador Mannella had gone on to express her honor to represent her country to the Maldives.

She concluded by assuring of her commitment to build the friendly cooperation that have marked relations between both countries.