The Government of the Maldives has warmly welcomed the announcement by the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, Jeremy Hunt at the House of Commons that the United Kingdom has decided to open a resident diplomatic mission in the Maldives.
In a statement, Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision signifies the importance the United Kingdom attaches to its longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. The foreign ministry added opening of a resident mission by the British Government marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the two countries that would undoubtedly open up enhanced opportunities for education, trade, tourism and investment for both countries.
The Government of Maldives looks forward to working closely with the British Government in the days ahead, in providing all the necessary support in establishing its diplomatic presence in the Maldives, according to the statement.
The Maldives currently hosts seven diplomatic missions. The United Kingdom will be the first European country to establish a resident diplomatic presence in the Maldives.