New non-residential ambassadors from six countries - Palestine, Zimbabwe, Uzbekistan, Denmark, Greece and Uganda - have presented their credentials to Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
The new ambassadors presented their credentials in ceremonies held at the President’s Office on Thursday morning. They were escorted from the Republic Square to the President’s Office in a traditional ‘Haiykolhu’ cultural procession, accompanied by the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) Drum and Trumpet Band.
Non-Residential Ambassador of Zimbabwe Stella Nkomo is escorted to the President's Office in a traditional ‘Haiykolhu’ cultural procession on June 12, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)
The new ambassadors who presented their credentials are:
Ihab Ibrahim Mohamed Khalil, non-residential ambassador of Palestine
Stella Nkomo, non-residential ambassador of Zimbabwe
Sardor Rustambaev, non-residential ambassador of Uzbekistan
Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, non-residential ambassador of Denmark
Aliki Koutsomitopoulou, non-residential ambassador of Greece
Joyce Kakuramatsi Kikafunda, non-residential high commissioner of Uganda
The letters of credence were accepted by President Muizzu, who welcomed them on their new appointment, and engaged in discussions regarding furthering bilateral relations.
NEW NON-RESIDENTIAL AMBASSADOR OF PALESTINE
In the meeting between Khalil and President Muizzu, the former expressed heartfelt appreciation for the Maldives’ steadfast support for the Palestinian cause.
Non-Residential Ambassador of Palestine Ihab Ibrahim Mohamed Khalil (L) presents his letter of credence to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on June 12, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)
He said that the Maldives’ consistent stance and advocacy on the international stage have had a significant impact.
President Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives’ unwavering commitment to supporting Palestine, emphasizing that this support would remain resolute.
They also expressed a shared interest in strengthening bilateral relations.
NEW NON-RESIDENTIAL AMBASSADOR OF ZIMBABWE
Following the presentation of her credentials, Nkomo and President Muizzu engaged in discussions on matters of mutual interest, and the potential for strengthening bilateral relations.
Non-Residential Ambassador of Zimbabwe Stella Nkomo (L) presents her letter of credence to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on June 12, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)
Both sides also expressed a shared commitment to expanding economic cooperation, with a particular focus on the exchange of expertise in the tourism sector.
NEW NON-RESIDENTIAL AMBASSADOR OF UZBEKISTAN
President Muizzu and Rustambaev discussed potential areas of collaboration, including trade, economic development, and the expansion of educational cooperation.
Non-Residential Ambassador of Uzbekistan Sardor Rustambaev (L) presents his letter of credence to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on June 12, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)
Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the close bilateral relations between the two countries.
NEW NON-RESIDENTIAL AMBASSADOR OF DENMARK
President Muizzu and Kristensen explored avenues to further strengthen cooperation between the Maldives and Denmark, with a particular focus on economic development, climate change, and renewable energy.
Non-Residential Ambassador of Denmark Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen (L) presents his letter of credence to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on June 12, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)
President Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives’ high regard for its relationship with Denmark, and expressed appreciation for Denmark’s continued support in the country’s development efforts.
He also acknowledged the significant number of tourist arrivals from Denmark and expressed optimism for further growth, especially with the enhanced connectivity expected from the opening of the new terminal.
NEW NON-RESIDENTIAL AMBASSADOR OF GREECE
President Muizzu and Koutsomitopoulou discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the Maldives and Greece.
Non-Residential Ambassador off Greece Aliki Koutsomitopoulou (L) presents her letter of credence to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on June 12, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)
Key areas of focus included economic collaboration, educational exchange, tourism promotion, and joint efforts in addressing climate change.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to working closely together to explore new avenues of cooperation that would contribute to the mutual prosperity and wellbeing of both nations.
NEW NON-RESIDENTIAL HIGH COMMISSIONER OF UGANDA
President Muizzu and Kikafunda engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the Maldives and Uganda, with a focus on enhancing cooperation in areas such as economic development, climate resilience, education, and tourism.
Non-Residential High Commissioner of Uganda Joyce Kakuramatsi Kikafunda (L) presents her letter of credence to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on June 12, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)
During the meeting, President Muizzu expressed appreciation for Uganda’s interest in deepening its engagement with the Maldives, and affirmed the government’s commitment to fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.
He also acknowledged the potential for further strengthening ties through people-to-people contact, cultural exchange, and trade relations.