Maldives welcomes UK decision to open resident mission

The Maldives has welcomed the United Kingdom’s decision to open a resident diplomatic mission as announced at the House of Commons on Tuesday by Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

The UK would become the first European or Western country to have a resident diplomatic presence in the Maldives.

“The opening of a resident mission by the British Government marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the two countries that would undoubtedly open up enhanced opportunities for education, trade, tourism and investment for both countries,” the Maldives foreign ministry said, assuring support for the move.

Most embassies accredited to the Maldives are based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Maldives currently hosts seven diplomatic missions in the capital Malé.

Mark Field MP, the UK’s minister of state for Asia and the Pacific, was among the first foreign government officials to visit the Maldives following President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s election victory in September.

Our decision to open a British Embassy in #Maldives is exciting news. It reflects our countries' and people's long-standing friendship and, looking to the future, our ambition to develop work we do together across economic, security and tourism priorities at an important time. https://t.co/dxgc2W8VPV

— James Dauris (@JamesDauris) December 4, 2018