Ambassador of Maldives to New Zealand Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has presented his Letter of Credence to the Governor-General of New Zealand Dame Patsy Reddy.
The ceremony was held at the Government House Wellington, in the presence of the New Zealand Government Representative, Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, Minister of Immigration, Minister for ACC, Deputy Leader of the House Hon Iain Lees-Galloway, and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Following the ceremony, Ambassador Mausoom inspected the Guard of Honour, before proceeding to the Government House, where he signed the visitor’s book, delivered a statement, and presented his credentials. In his statement, the ambassador highlighted the excellent bilateral relations that exist between Maldives and New Zealand and the common interests shared between the countries such as the commitment to uphold democratic values and human rights and sustainable development. Furthermore, he reiterated the firm support of Maldives for the Christchurch Call of Action in combatting terrorism and extremism.
After the presentation of the credentials, Governor-General Reddy also delivered a statement. Highlighting that this is the first time a head of mission from Maldives has presented credentials in New Zealand, the governor-general stated this provides a timely opportunity to reaffirm the warmth both countries share in the bilateral and multilateral relationships, and to consider how to build upon the shared history. She reaffirmed New Zealand’s full commitment towards Maldives re-joining the Commonwealth as well as her government’s support to Small Island Developing States (SIDS), democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
Both the governor-general and the ambassador expressed the good wishes of their leaders to their counterparts; and the commitment to further enhance the already existing warm and friendly relationship between the two countries.