New British High Commissioner accredited to the Maldives Mr John Rankin has presented his credentials to President Mohamed Nasheed today.
At the ceremony held at the President’s Office, President Nasheed congratulated new High Commissioner Rankin and thanked the British government and his predecessor for their assistance in introducing and consolidating democracy in the Maldives.
He noted that Britain continue to play an instrumental role in the development of the Maldives.
The President and the High Commissioner also discussed the current political and economic situation in the Maldives.
The President, underscoring the recent local council elections held in the country, said local governance and decentralization were the country’s newest project.
Referring to the struggle by the people of Egypt for democracy, the President reiterated his call on Western countries, especially the United Kingdom, not to fear, but to support, the forces of democracy in Muslim countries.
During the meeting with the President, after the presentation of his credentials, the new British High Commissioner affirmed his commitment to enhance the cooperation between the Maldives and the UK.
He also said he was willing to work to facilitate experience sharing and other assistance to overcome challenges at the onset of local councils.
The meeting was attended by Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed, Special Envoy of the President Ibrahim Hussain Zaki, Advisor on Political Affairs Mohamed Shihab and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affaits Haula Ahmed Didi.
