Maldives President, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has offered congratulations to newly elected President of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan and Vice President, Ahmed Afif, following their victory in the Seychelles’ general elections.

Expressing confidence that the excellent relations between Maldives and Seychelles will continue to prosper under the new administration, the president wished the President and his people “happiness, good fortune and prosperity”.

He also congratulated the Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) for its victory in the country’s parliamentary elections, in his message.

Solih noted that Maldives and Seychelles share many common concerns and priorities particularly in the spheres of maritime safety, climate change and disaster resilience, as small island states in the Indian Ocean.

Both countries have continued to engage on these issues and voice them to the broader international community, constructively, said Solih.

Further, he expressed certainty that the “excellent” level of cooperation between the two governments will progress under Ramkalawan’s leadership.

Ramkalawan, leader of the Seychelles Democratic Alliance, won the state’s presidential election with 54.9 percent of votes on Sunday, reported international media outlets. It was his sixth time running for presidency.

The Vice President-elect of Seychelles, Afif is the son of the late Abdulla Afif, leader of United Suvadive Republic formed in the south of Maldives in 1959. Afif was born in Seychelles and has filled the post of numerous senior government officials before his election.