After 47 years of bilateral relations with the Maldives, the Australian government has decided to open a high commission in the Maldives.

Australian Prime Minister, Mairse Payne made the announcement yesterday stating that Australia will open a High Commission in the Maldivian capital to strengthen engagement with an important Indian Ocean neighbour and the permanent Australian diplomatic presence in Maldives will build on the shared aspirations of Australia and Maldives for a stable, secure and resilient Indo Pacific.

"The new Australian High Commission will support the commitment of both countries to democratic institutions and enhance cooperation with multilateral, Commonwealth and regional organisations. It will promote enhanced cooperation on maritime security, combatting transnational crime and collaboration on climate change and the blue economy." She said.

She also said that the establishment of a High Commission will also strengthen development cooperation and increase opportunities for trade, investment and connectivity in the North East Indian Ocean.

Following the announcement, Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid took to Twitter to welcome the announcement calling it "an important milestone" in solidifying the bilateral relations between Australia and the Maldives.

While an exact opening date was not announced by the Australian Prime Minister, media outlets in Australia reports that the High Commission will be opened before 2023.

Bilateral relations were established between Australia and the Maldives in 1974.