The government of Maldives have expressed commitment to explore further avenues for cooperation with the government of Azerbaijan.
During the call following the ceremony held at the President's Office for the newly appointed Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the Maldives Dr. Ashraf Farhad Shikhaliyev to present his Letter of Credence, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih expressed hope further discussion on cooperation can be held in more substance during the upcoming Partnership Forum, due to be held in March.
During the call following the formal ceremony, President Solih congratulated Ambassador Shikaliyev on his ambassadorial appointment and remarked on the friendliness and cooperative spirit that have always marked ties between Maldives and Azerbaijan.
Meanwhile, the ambassador congratulated the president on his electoral victory, and expressed his best wishes towards the government and the people of Maldives. The ambassador further highlighted Maldivian students are currently pursuing higher studies in Azerbaijan through scholarship schemes. He encouraged more Maldivians to consider studying in Azerbaijan, noting the diplomatic academy in ADA University provides a high quality of teaching and boasts a welcoming campus-environment that will be appealing to students.
Concluding the call, the ambassador reiterated warm sentiments towards Maldives and wished President Solih well in fulfilling his mandate to the Maldivian people.