Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam held a series of bilateral meetings with the newly accredited ambassadors and high commissioners of eight countries following the presentation of their Letters of Credence to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, reaffirming the Maldives' commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations and expanding cooperation across a wide range of sectors.
The meetings, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focused on enhancing bilateral partnerships, exploring new avenues of cooperation and exchanging views on regional and international developments.
During talks with Qatar's newly appointed Ambassador, Hamad Mohammed Abdullah Al-Sanad Al-Dosari, Minister Iruthisham first conveyed the condolences of the Government and people of the Maldives following the passing of Qatar's former Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. She paid tribute to the late Amir for his contributions to Qatar's development and thanked the Qatari government for its continued support to the Maldives. Congratulating Ambassador Al-Dosari on his appointment, the minister expressed confidence that his tenure would further strengthen the longstanding friendship between the two countries. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on the evolving situation in the Middle East, underscoring the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in promoting lasting peace, security and regional stability.
Meeting Namibia's newly appointed Non-resident High Commissioner, Alex L. Tukuhupwele, Minister Iruthisham reiterated the Maldives' commitment to deepening bilateral ties and broadening cooperation in areas of shared interest. Discussions also highlighted the importance of strengthening engagement with African nations and enhancing collaboration in multilateral forums. Both sides explored opportunities for cooperation that would bring mutual benefits to the people of both countries.
The foreign minister also met Fiji's newly appointed Non-resident High Commissioner, Jagannath Sami, where discussions centred on expanding cooperation in tourism and economic development. As fellow Small Island Developing States (SIDS), both countries reaffirmed the importance of working closely in multilateral forums to address common challenges and advance shared priorities. Minister Iruthisham congratulated High Commissioner Sami on his appointment, while the envoy reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations during his tenure.
During her meeting with Kosovo's newly appointed Non-resident Ambassador, Lulzim Pllana, the minister reaffirmed the Maldives' commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with both sides expressing interest in expanding cooperation particularly in education and tourism. Ambassador Pllana thanked the minister for her warm wishes and expressed his commitment to working closely with the Maldives to further enhance cooperation.
Talks with Slovenia's Ambassador Tomaz Mencin focused on broadening collaboration in climate change, education, trade, tourism and multilateral initiatives. Minister Iruthisham highlighted these sectors as key areas for future cooperation and reaffirmed the government's commitment to working closely with the ambassador to strengthen bilateral relations. Ambassador Mencin likewise pledged to further deepen ties during his diplomatic tenure.
The minister also welcomed Somalia's newly appointed Non-resident Ambassador, Dr Abdullahi Mohammed Odowa. The discussions reaffirmed both countries' commitment to expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest while also exchanging views on regional and international developments. Minister Iruthisham expressed confidence that the ambassador's tenure would contribute to stronger relations between the Maldives and Somalia, with both sides concluding the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to closer cooperation for the mutual benefit of their peoples.
Health cooperation featured prominently during Minister Iruthisham's meeting with Cuba's newly appointed Non-resident Ambassador, Patricia Lázara Pego Guerra. While discussing ways to strengthen bilateral relations across several sectors, both sides identified the health sector as a priority area for deeper collaboration. Ambassador Pego Guerra thanked the minister for her warm wishes and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing relations between the two countries.
Meanwhile, discussions with the Dominican Republic's newly appointed Non-resident Ambassador, Francisco Manuel Comprés Hernández, focused on expanding cooperation in tourism and strengthening collaboration as fellow Small Island Developing States. Both sides underscored the importance of working together in multilateral forums while exploring broader opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation.
Throughout the series of meetings, Minister Iruthisham congratulated each envoy on their appointments and expressed confidence that their respective tenures would further strengthen relations between the Maldives and their countries. The ambassadors and high commissioners, in turn, reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation and advancing partnerships across areas of mutual interest.
The meetings were attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Foreign Secretary Fathimath Inaya, Secretary Dr Hala Hameed, several state and deputy ministers, additional secretaries, senior political directors, under secretaries, assistant directors and desk officers, depending on the respective bilateral engagements.
