Male, Maldives (CU)_ The governments of the Maldives and the Republic of Gambia held meetings to enhance mutually beneficial commercial opportunities between the two nations. The discussions were held after Mustapha Jawara, the new High Commissioner of the Gambia to the Maldives, handed his Letter of Credence to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at a ceremony. The event took place at the President’s Office.
During the meeting, President Solih gave a warm welcome to the high commissioner and wished him on his appointment. The Maldivian president and the Gambian head of state discussed the long-standing friendship between the two nations. In addition, the president stated that both nations have a number of common characteristics, including a shared belief in Islam, historical links, democratic ideals, and participation in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Commonwealth of Nations.
In addition, bilateral and international relations as well as the expansion of mutually advantageous commercial opportunities were discussed. The president of the Maldives pointed out that his country’s participation in the Gambia’s case before the International Court of Justice to protect the rights of the Rohingya people was an excellent illustration of international cooperation with the Gambia. The case concerned the protection of the rights of the Rohingya people. At the meeting, the Gambian head of state expressed a strong desire to join forces with the government of the Maldives to share knowledge and skills in agriculture, tourism, and fishery sectors.
The high commissioner then revealed his interest in obtaining support from the Foreign Service Institute of Maldives to educate Gambian diplomats (FOSIM). In response to his request, the president of the Maldives promised him that his proposal would be carefully reviewed. President Solih also welcomed a mutually beneficial tourism promotion partnership with Gambia. The Maldivian president and the Gambian head of state both reaffirmed their resolve to boost bilateral and multilateral collaboration between the two nations. The Maldives and Gambia established their diplomatic ties on July 3, 1989.
