The new High Commissioner of Malaysia to the Republic of Maldives, H.E. Badli Hisham Bin Adam, presented his credentials to H.E. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at a ceremony held at the President’s Office on Monday.
Meeting the High Commissioner afterwards, the President congratulated him on his new appointment. The President also conveyed greetings and best wishes to H.E. Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, and to the government and the people of Malaysia.
At the meeting, President Solih stated that Malaysia has been a significant regional partner and close friend of the Maldives over the past 55 years. He further emphasised how the dynamism of the people-to-people exchanges between the two countries match the warmth of the close diplomatic ties.
At the meeting, President and High Commissioner Badli Hisham spoke about strengthening economic ties between the two countries, noting the upcoming Double Tax Avoidance Agreement. The President also referred to the Mutual Recognition Agreement that had just been concluded between both countries on the recognition of domestic driving licenses, noting that it would ease mobility for Maldivians residing in Malaysia and vice versa.
The President also expressed appreciation for the Malaysian government's contribution to the administration’s human resources development initiatives through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program. The President added that the Maldives is eager to welcome more tourists from Malaysia and is collaborating with Malaysian counterparts to increase the number of flights between the two countries.
In conclusion, the President and the High Commissioner reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the bilateral ties between the two countries in areas of mutual interest. The Maldives and Malaysia established diplomatic relations in 1968.
