Malé, 7 December 2021 (TDI): Yesterday, Hayat Talbi Bilel, Tunisian Ambassador to the Maldives, showcased her Letter of Credence to Maldivian President, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The official ceremony was held at the President’s Office in Malé, Maldives.
After the initial formalities, Ambassador Bilel joined the President in a candid exchange. Solih congratulated Bilel on her new appointment and remarked on the friendly relations Maldives shares with the Republic of Tunisia.
Both parties talked about a wide variety of topics, focusing on their common objective of enhancing bilateral ties. They also discussed the situation of the Covid-19 pandemic, development cooperation as well as strengthening cooperation in international avenues.
Presidential Statement
President Solih pointed out the similarities between Tunisia and the Maldives. He noted that Tunisia was a coastal nation bound by Islamic solidarity, much like the State of Maldives. In relation to this, he highlighted the multiple common interests between the two, and how these could be utilized for future bilateral cooperation.
In addition, the Maldivian President also expressed the Government of Maldives’ commitment to working in close relation with Tunisia, to achieve common goals. He stated his hopes in the strengthening of the long-standing relationship between both nations through collaborative projects.
Furthermore, Solih expressed a particular interest in accelerating cooperation in the areas of trade and investment. He deemed it necessary that potential dimensions of cooperation be explored, and skills and expertise be shared in the fields of agriculture, fisheries, and tourism development.
The President also seized the opportunity to discuss cooperation on international fronts. He mentioned the stronger collaboration in the United Nations (UN), Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and lastly, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Particularly, the areas of human rights, counter-terrorism, peace, and security.
Foreign Minister’ Comments
The Foreign Minister of the Maldives, Abdulla Shahid, also took to Twitter to congratulate both parties on this fruitful ceremony. He commented particularly on the promising future of Tunisia-Maldives friendship.
On this matter, the Tunisian Ambassador extended congratulations to the Maldives for increasing its role in international forums such as the UN. She affirmed that Tunisia was in full solidarity with this involvement, and endorsed this active participation.
Both sides ended the meeting on a hopeful note, expressing their faith in the future of Tunisia-Maldives relations.
