Maldives officially opens embassy in Thailand

Maldives’ Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, was officially opened on Wednesday.

While the embassy was established back in February 2018, it was officially opened by Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid at a special ceremony on Wednesday. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel, and staff at the embassy attended the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Maldives’ foreign ministry noted that establishing a resident diplomatic presence in Thailand “reflects the deepening bilateral relations between the two countries.”

The Embassy will contribute to implementing Maldives’ foreign policy and assist with the provision of consular services to the growing Maldivian diaspora in Thailand. The Embassy will also facilitate exploring avenues for greater cooperation between the two countries, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

The ministry emphasized that the opening of an embassy in Thailand “is in line with the current administration’s commitment to forging closer ties with the international community.”

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Shahid stated that that the Maldives - Thailand cooperation is growing in multiple avenues, including trade and investment, science and technology, defence and security, education, culture and tourism. He added that “each area holds massive potential.”

The official website of the Maldives Embassy in Thailand was also launched during the ceremony.

Foreign Minister Shahid is arrived in Bangkok on a three-day official visit on Tuesday, following an invitation from his counterpart Don Pramudwinai.

Both ministers will be holding bilateral talks during this trip, “on strengthening and further expanding the bilateral cooperation between the and two countries.”

This year marks 40 years since diplomatic ties were established between Maldives and Thailand; which was established on 21st June 1979.