The High Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives to the Republic of Seychelles, H.E. Mr. Omar Abdul Razzak presented his credential to President Wavel Ramkalawan at State House this morning.
The President welcomed and commended him on being the first Maldivian High Commissioner to Seychelles. President Ramkalawan expressed his hope that during his tenure as High Commissioner to Seychelles, the two countries will further develop the warm and friendly relations.
“With your accreditation, we open a new chapter in the collaboration between our two countries and I reassured you of my commitment to consolidate further the cooperation between our two countries. As island nations, both our countries share common concerns of climate change and coastal erosion. I wish you success and the very best as you take on the tasks ahead,” said the President.
During discussions, President Ramkalawan conveyed his personal greetings to H.E. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and also congratulated H.E Abdulla Shahid, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Maldives on his election as President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The Head of State and the newly accredited High Commissioner discussed avenues of cooperation such as; internships for Seychelles nationals in the Tourism Industry, scholarships in the field of Maritime studies, aviation, fisheries and investments.
In a written statement given to the press after presenting his credentials, High Commissioner Razzak affirmed that “The Maldives and the Seychelles enjoy a relationship which is based on mutual trust, respect and friendship and I look forward to deepening bilateral relations, promoting tourism, enhancing trade and attracting investments between the two countries during my tenure as the Non-Resident High Commissioner of Maldives to Seychelles”.
During his visit to State House, High Commissioner Razzak also held discussions with the Vice-President, Mr Ahmed Afif.
Maldives and Seychelles established diplomatic relations in 1980.
High Commissioner Razzak was accompanied by the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Maldives in Seychelles, Mr Lambert Bonne andThird Secretary in the High Commission of Maldives in Sri Lanka, Ms Aishath Nihad.
Also present this morning was the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr Sylvestre Radegonde, the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Vivienne Fock-Tave, Director General Bilateral Affairs Division, Department of Foreign Affairs, Ms Lindy Ernesta and First Secretary at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ms Wendy Isnard.