British Ambassador thrilled to end tenure on positive note

Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the Maldives James Dauris has stated that he is thrilled to end his diplomatic tenure, with the palpable change in the political atmosphere in Maldives.

Expressing his joy, Dauris stated that there has been a palpable change in Maldives political ambiance since the new administration took over in November 2018, during his final courtesy calls to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Vice President Faisal Naseem.

During the respective calls, the British Ambassador referred to the ongoing discussions between Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid and Ambassador to the UK with the Commonwealth’s Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, stating that UK supports Maldives case for early re-admission back into the Commonwealth.

Dauris stated that this endeavor has gained “much traction” due to the Commonwealth’s positive assessment of the country’s Parliamentary Elections held in April.

It is clear that Maldives and UK share many common principles pertinent to international affairs, including mutual belief in free trade, maintaining peace in the Indian Ocean as well as environment preservation and marine conservation, added the British Ambassador.

Dauris calls on VP Naseem. Photo by President's Office.

Further, the Ambassador stated that both countries’ cooperation in the international fora is reinforced by ongoing collaboration efforts in fields like education, commerce and security as well as the friendly bilateral ties that both countries have enjoyed over the years.

Both Solih and Naseem expressed gratitude to the constructive role the UK has played in Maldives democratic journey, revealed the President’s Office.

Further, they expressed eagerness to work with the ambassador’s successor to further continue strengthening bilateral ties.

They stated that Dauris is a “dear friend” to the Maldives who is always welcome in the country and that the people of the Maldives along with the government thank him for his exemplary services for the progress of the mutual diplomatic ties.

Dauris is ending his diplomatic term after four fruitful years having served as the non-resident Ambassador to the Maldives, based in Colombo, Sri Lanka.