UAE to open embassy in Maldives

The United Arab Emirates is to open an embassy in the Maldives.

Gulf media reported the cabinet had come to the decision after a discussion. There were no additional details at the time of going to press.

It will be one of a handful of diplomatic missions in the Maldives, joining India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, China and Japan.

President Abdulla Yameen visited the UAE last October to discuss investments.

A $60 million international airport project funded by Abu Dhabi as a “gift” from the UAE is due to open in Northern Noonu atoll Maafaru in July.

The fourth annual Maldives Investment Forum was also held in the UAE in December.

The UAE is the top trading partner of the Maldives. In 2016, the Maldives imported US$332 million worth of goods from there.