President Dr Mohamed Muizzu received the Non-Resident Ambassadors of twelve countries, including Iran, Egypt, and Spain, on Monday, during a sequence of formal credential ceremonies held at the President’s Office in Malé. Escorted in a traditional Haiykolhu cultural procession from Republic Square, the envoys were accompanied by the Maldives National Defence Force Drum and Trumpet Band.
Fleming Raul Duarte Ramos, Non-Resident Ambassador of Paraguay, presented his credentials in the first ceremony of the day. Discussions with President Muizzu centred on enhancing collaboration in trade, education, tourism, and sports. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. Diplomatic ties were formalised on 28 September 2010.
Evagoras Vryonides, Non-Resident High Commissioner of Cyprus, followed with discussions focused on healthcare, trade, tourism, and education. The shared island status of both countries provided a foundation for promoting student and professional exchanges. Diplomatic relations were established on 1 November 1987.
Later in the morning, Juan Antonio March Pujol, Non-Resident Ambassador of Spain, presented his credentials. In talks with the president, he addressed expanding trade, technology cooperation, and tourism. President Muizzu noted the growing number of Spanish tourist arrivals and anticipated further growth following the expansion of Velana International Airport. Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Spain date to 25 August 1979.
Adel Ibrahim, Non-Resident Ambassador of Egypt, discussed with President Muizzu prospects for expanded cooperation in higher education, economic development, and the healthcare sector. Diplomatic ties were formalised on 12 February 1969.
Dr Alireza Delkhosh, Non-Resident Ambassador of Iran, presented his Letter of Credence shortly thereafter. The meeting addressed economic cooperation, technical exchanges, and strengthening people-to-people ties. President Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives' commitment to promoting peace and de-escalation in the Middle East through international platforms. Ambassador Delkhosh expressed gratitude for the President's principled stance. Earlier, President Muizzu had condemned Israel's attack on Iran via his official X account, describing it as a grave violation of international law.
Conte Alassane, Non-Resident Ambassador of Guinea, held discussions focused on investment, economic development, and environmental resilience. Diplomatic relations were formalised on 8 April 1983.
Peter Munyiri Maina, Non-Resident High Commissioner of Kenya, presented his credentials and engaged in discussions on strengthening trade and tourism. Diplomatic ties between the Maldives and Kenya began on 23 October 1995.
May-Elin Stener, Non-Resident Ambassador of Norway, addressed expanding cooperation in academic exchange, tourism, and renewable energy. President Muizzu welcomed Norwegian investment, particularly in support of the Maldives' national goal of generating 33 percent of its energy from renewable sources. Diplomatic relations were established on 26 March 1984.
Rath Many, Non-Resident Ambassador of Cambodia, presented her Letter of Credence during the subsequent ceremony. Talks focused on bolstering cooperation in tourism, trade, and investment. Diplomatic ties were formalised on 21 September 1995.
Lukmon Bobokalonzoda, Non-Resident Ambassador of Tajikistan, explored avenues for enhancing collaboration in tourism, education, healthcare, trade, and investment. Diplomatic ties date to 6 October 1993.
Dr Abdenor Khelifi, Non-Resident Ambassador of Algeria, focused his meeting on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and religious education. The discussion included opportunities for Maldivian Islamic scholars and Quran reciters to train in Algeria. Ambassador Khelifi also acknowledged the Maldives' firm support for Palestinian self-determination. Diplomatic relations were formalised on 8 March 1988.
Dr Purna Bahadur Nepali, Non-Resident Ambassador of Nepal, concluded the day's ceremonies with a discussion on reinforcing cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, and education. Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Nepal were established on 1 August 1980.