Five non-resident ambassadors presented their Letters of Credence to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, with discussions focusing on expanding bilateral cooperation in areas including the blue economy, climate change, health, education, tourism, trade, youth development, sports, and regional peace and security, as the Maldives reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Kosovo, Slovenia and Somalia.
Each ambassador presented their credentials during separate ceremonies held at the President's Office. In keeping with tradition, they were escorted in a Haiykolhu cultural procession accompanied by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Drum and Trumpet Band before being formally received by the President.
Dominican Republic: Shared priorities as Small Island Developing States
Non-Resident Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the Maldives, Francisco Manuel Comprés Hernández, presented his Letter of Credence to President Muizzu.
Following the ceremony, the President and the ambassador discussed areas of mutual interest, particularly environmental protection and the blue economy, highlighting the shared priorities of both countries as Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations.
Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and the Dominican Republic were established on 17 March 2010.
Cuba: Focus on health, education and sports cooperation
Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to the Maldives, Patricia Lázara Pego Guerra, also presented her Letter of Credence to the President.
The President and the ambassador discussed cooperation in health sector development, higher education, training programmes and sports, with particular emphasis on volleyball. The ambassador also expressed appreciation for the Maldives' continued support at the United Nations, while both sides pledged to further deepen bilateral relations.
Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Cuba were established on 29 January 1977.
Kosovo: Expanding partnerships in education, tourism and trade
Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the Maldives, Lulzim Pllana, presented his Letter of Credence during a separate ceremony.
The President expressed appreciation for scholarships provided by the Government of Kosovo, while both sides discussed expanding cooperation in education, youth development, tourism, trade and other areas of mutual interest. They also reaffirmed their commitment to translating bilateral cooperation into tangible and sustainable outcomes.
Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Kosovo were established on 15 April 2009.
Slovenia: Climate action and sustainable development high on agenda
Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the Maldives, Tomaž Mencin, presented his Letter of Credence to the President.
During their meeting, the President and the ambassador discussed cooperation in tourism, climate change, environmental protection and sustainable development. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations.
Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Slovenia were established on 4 March 1996.
Somalia: Cooperation and Indian Ocean security
Non-Resident Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to the Maldives, Dr Abdullahi Mohammed Odowa, also presented his Letter of Credence to President Muizzu.
The President and the ambassador discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest and exchanged views on promoting peace and security in the Indian Ocean. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties between the two countries.
Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Somalia were established on 10 March 1988.