Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has congratulated New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern, following her election victory.

Ardern won a second term as Prime Minister on Saturday, in an election landslide.

Solih, via Twitter, congratulated Ardern and said that “despite the geographical distance between our countries, NZ is a close friend and partner to Maldives”.

The president added that he looks forward to continue working with Ardern’s government “on areas on mutual importance”.

Ardern’s liberal Labour Party won 49 per cent of the vote, crushing the conservative National Party, which got 27 per cent.

PM Ardern said the margin of the victory “exceeded” their expectations.

Ardern’s popularity soared within the past few years, both in New Zealand and globally. While NZ’ efforts against Covid-19, led by Ardern, has been commended worldwide, her compassionate response to the Christchurch mosque shootings have been praised as well.