A number of foreign envoys to the Maldives have presented their Letters of Credence to the Maldives President, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

All three newly appointed High Commissioners called on President Solih on Monday afternoon.

As such, High Commissioner-designate of Bangladesh, Rear Admiral Nazmul Hassan, High Commissioner-designate of Pakistan, Vice Admiral Ather Mukhtar (Retired) and High Commissioner-designate of Sri Lanka Rohana Bedagge presented their credentials during a ceremony held at the President’s Office.

President Solih and High Commissioner Hassan spoke in light of strengthening the long-standing friendly relations between the Maldives and Bangladesh, following the ceremony.

As such, the Maldives president noted that Bangladesh and the Maldives have always enjoyed excellent relations marked by similarities in culture and a common religion, going on to thanks the government of Bangladesh for the continued assistance provided to the island nation’s socio-economic development.

He also expressed gratitude for the assistance in helping Maldives respond to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic by providing food, medicine and equipment, and through sending medical experts.

Acknowledging the positive contributions of the many expatriates from Bangladesh residing in the Maldives, President Solih thanked Bangladesh for their assistance to the Maldives' worker-regularization and repatriation programs.

Despite the hindrances in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, the president thanked the government of Bangladesh for their efforts to ensure the well-being of the Maldivian people residing in the country.

The pair expressed keenness to explore further avenues for cooperation, to take bilateral relations, further and expressed confidence in continued good bilateral partnership.

Speaking regarding the progression of bilateral relations between Maldives and Pakistan that have extended over common values and faith, President Solih shed light on a recent phone call with Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan during which both leaders discussed issues of mutual importance and their countries’ respective experiences regarding coronavirus.

The president applauded Pakistan’s successive efforts in curbing the spread of the infection and offered condolences to those who continue to be affected by the heavy monsoon rains occurring in the country.

Further, President Solih expressed keenness to work with the new High Commissioner to enhance ties and thanked the Pakistani government for their ongoing assistance to the Maldives, especially in the fields of youth development, health and education.

During the ceremony, the president shed light on the strength of official bilateral ties between the Maldives and Sri Lanka that is mirrored by the close informal ties between citizens of both countries.

He went on to thank the Sri Lankan government for continued assistance in light of the pandemic especially for the help they extended to Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka remains one of the island nation’s closest development partners, whose contribution to the Maldives’ socio-economic progress is immeasurable, said President Solih.

In addition, the newly-appointed High Commissioner extended greetings on behalf of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to the Maldivian people and government.

The High Commissioner further expressed his commitment to enhance existing cooperation in the areas of education, health and culture