H.E. David Jessup, the newly appointed High Commissioner of the Commonwealth of Australia to the Republic of Maldives, presented his Letter of Credence to H.E. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih during a ceremony at the President's Office on Monday. President Solih warmly welcomed High Commissioner Jessup and congratulated him on the commencement of his term.
During the meeting, President Solih and High Commissioner Jessup emphasised the timely nature of the opening of the Australian High Commission in the Maldives, as next year marks the 50th anniversary of establishing bilateral relations between the two nations. President Solih noted the progress made in strengthening ties between the Maldives and Australia and expressed his gratitude to the Australian government for providing capacity-building and training opportunities that have contributed to the development of the Maldives.
During their discussions, President Solih and High Commissioner Jessup addressed various topics of mutual interest, including higher education, trade, climate change, air connectivity, tourism, defence and security, and economic cooperation. The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to enhancing the bonds of friendship and collaboration between their respective nations.
The Maldives and Australia established diplomatic relations in 1974.