President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said that Maldives is looking forward to establishing a Maldives High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa.



President Solih made the comment during a meeting with the new Non-Resident High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa to the Republic of Maldives, Sandile Edwin Schalk.

The call was held at the the President's Office, on Tuesday.

During the meeting, President Solih stated that the Maldives is committed to strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two countries.

The President stated that the Maldives is looking forward to establishing a Maldives High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa and highlighted that it would be the first Maldivian High Commission established on the continent of Africa.

President Solih highlighted that this would help demonstrate the closeness between the two nations. He also expressed hope that the opening of the office would extend the outreach of the Maldives.

The High Commissioner expressed his readiness to collaborate with the Maldives on international fronts, echoing President Solih’s sentiments.

The President and the High Commissioner spoke further on improving tourism, infrastructure development, and enhancing collaboration in the international fora.

The Maldives established diplomatic relations with South Africa on July 27, 1994.

The new Non-Resident High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa to the Republic of Maldives, Sandile Edwin Schalk presented his letter of credence to the President on Tuesday, and was welcomed by the President.