Australia has decided to establish a High Commission in the Maldives. The decision was announced by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Australia Marise Payne in a press statement released on February 11.
In the statement, Minister Payne announced Australia will open a High Commission in Male’ in order to strengthen engagement with an important Indian Ocean neighbour. She noted a permanent Australian diplomatic presence in the Maldives will build on the shared aspirations of the two countries for a stable, secure and resilient Indo Pacific.
Minister Payne further stated the new Australian High Commission will support the commitment of both countries to democratic institutions and enhance cooperation with multilateral, Commonwealth and regional organisations. The minister added it will promote enhanced cooperation on maritime security, combatting transnational crime and collaboration on climate change and the blue economy. She noted the establishment of a High Commission will also strengthen development cooperation and increase opportunities for trade, investment and connectivity in the North East Indian Ocean.
The decision by the Australian government was warmly welcomed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives Abdulla Shahid. In a tweet, Minister Shahid stated the establishment of an Australian High Commission in the Maldives is an important milestone in further consolidating and solidifying the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Maldives and Australia established diplomatic relations on January 25, 1974.