The new High Commissioner of New Zealand to the Maldives, His Excellency Dr. Jonathan Edward Austin has presented his credentials to President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, on Thursday morning.
During the ceremony held at the President’s Office President Yameen congratulated High Commissioner Jonathan Edward Austin on the commencement of his term.
The President expressed his hope and confidence that relations between the Maldives and New Zealand would continue to strengthen in the future. At the meeting, the President and the High Commissioner discussed areas in which Maldives could gain assistance from New Zealand and the President stated that Maldives was looking towards further foreign investments. Additionally, as the two countries are island nations, the problems caused due to climate changes were discussed at the meeting.
The President briefed the High Commissioner on tourism in Maldives highlighting that it was vital to increase the number of tourists to the country in order for additional growth in the sector which can only be fully realised by extending the capacity of the airport. Work on expansion of the airport has commenced, the President said.
The High Commissioner expressed his desire towards further cooperation and assistance in all efforts towards the mutual benefit of both nations. The High Commissioner also noted that Maldives gave particular importance to Education and congratulated the President on the progress in the sector.
The President was accompanied at the meeting by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Dunya Maumoon and the Under Secretary at the President’s Office, Mr. Mohamed Naseer.
