The new Ambassador of the Philippines to the Maldives, Alan L. Deniega, and the new High Commissioner of Nigeria to the Maldives, Abioye Mohammed Bello has presented his credentials to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

The Ambassadors presented their credentials to the President during a special ceremony held this afternoon at the President’s Office.

President Solih welcomed the Philippine Ambassador to the Maldives, congratulating him on his appointment and conveying warm wishes to the President and people of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, on his behalf and on behalf of the Maldives government and people.

The President and Ambassador discussed topics of mutual interest during this meeting, including the current state of Covid in both countries, climate change and vulnerabilities, and people-to-people connections.

The new Filipino Ambassador expressed gratitude for the Maldivian government's hospitality and assistance to the Pilipino population in the Maldives, and stated that he looks forward to working as the Maldives' non-resident Ambassador.

President Solih welcomed the Nigerian High Commissioner to the Maldives, congratulating him on his appointment and extending best wishes to the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, on his behalf and on behalf of the Maldives government and people.

During his tenure as High Commissioner, the Nigerian High Commissioner stated that he would work to strengthen the Maldives' already cordial relationship with Nigeria.

The President stated that the Maldives and Nigeria have had historical bilateral connections for 40 years and that the Maldivian government is determined to strengthen these bilateral ties based on shared principles.

Concluding the meeting, the President expressed his congratulations on the appointment of the High Commissioners and expressed hope that the Maldives-Nigeria relationship would strengthen further in the coming years.