Newly accredited ambassadors and high commissioners from Slovenia, Somalia, Kosovo, Fiji, Qatar, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Namibia paid separate courtesy calls on Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam following the presentation of their credentials to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu earlier in the day.

During the meetings, Minister Iruthisham congratulated the envoys on their appointments and reaffirmed the Maldives' commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with their respective countries. Discussions covered a wide range of areas, including education, climate change, tourism, trade, sustainable development, healthcare, economic cooperation and multilateral cooperation, while both sides explored opportunities to expand collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

Country-specific discussions also focused on shared priorities. Meetings with the ambassadors of Fiji and the Dominican Republic highlighted cooperation between Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in multilateral forums, while talks with Namibia underscored closer engagement with African countries.

During discussions with Somalia, both sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest, while the meeting with Cuba placed particular emphasis on strengthening cooperation in the health sector. Ambassador Lulzim Pllana of Kosovo also expressed readiness to expand cooperation in education and tourism, while discussions with Slovenia explored cooperation in education, climate change, trade, tourism and multilateral initiatives.

During her meeting with Qatar's newly appointed Ambassador, Hamad Mohammed Abdullah Al-Sanad Al-Dosari, Minister Iruthisham conveyed the condolences of the Government and people of the Maldives on the passing of former Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. She also expressed appreciation for Qatar's longstanding support to the Maldives and highlighted the positive momentum in bilateral relations. Both sides exchanged views on developments in the Middle East and stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in promoting lasting peace, security and stability in the region.

The newly accredited envoys reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with the Maldives during their respective tenures, while both sides expressed confidence that cooperation would continue to expand for the mutual benefit of the countries.