Maldives to open embassies in South Africa, Russia and America

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said that his government is working to establish embassies in South Africa, Russia and America's capital Washington D.C, as well as a consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The president said this during his address at the inaugural sitting of parliament, held on Thursday morning.

Noting that the entire world is now one small community linked together, Solih said that building relations with other nations "is important for a small country like Maldives."

"As such, we are working to establish embassies in South Africa, America's Washington D.C. and Russia. In addition, a Maldivian consulate will be established in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia," he said.

The incumbent president also noted the Maldives was being alienated by the international community when he assumed office in November, adding that the changes brought to the foreign policy since have resulted in the country regaining the community's friendship.

Noting that he his administration is also working on "strengthening" ties with all members of the international community, Solih highlighted that they have already requested to rejoin the Commonwealth.

The country left the Commonwealth during former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration in October 2016, amid mounting pressure from the group over corruption and deteriorating human rights.

A high-level delegation from the organization was recently in Maldives, to evaluate the current situation.

President Solih also said that his government plans to widen consular services within this year, so as "to make things easier for Maldivians living abroad, especially students."

"We are [also] trying to reach agreements with countries that Maldivians frequently visit to make traveling easier, as well as to develop a system that will make is easier to obtain visas to European countries," he added.

Since assuming office, President Solih has made three state visits; first to India, then United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Sri Lanka.