Australia opens first-ever High Commission in the Maldives

The government of Australia has opened its first-ever High Commission in the Maldives.

The High Commission was officially inaugurated on Monday, June 2nd, during a special ceremony held at Jen Maldives by Shangri-La by Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence Richard Marles and the Maldives Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare Dr. Mariyam Mariya.

While speaking at the ceremony, Minister Mariya stressed on the bilateral relation between the Maldives and Australia founded upon mutual respect. The establishment of an Australian High Commission in the Maldives will further solidify the relation between both nations, she added.

She also highlighted the continued assistance from Australia for the Maldives, especially in the fields of maritime safety, education, and health.

Speaking at the ceremony, Marles noted that the inauguration of the High Commission was testament to efforts carried out by both countries in further strengthening the bilateral ties.

While noting the assistance provided in education and skills development, Marles added that Australia hoped to provide support in defence as well.

Deputy Speaker and Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Nazim and the Australian Ambassador to the Maldives David Jessup were among the attendees of Monday's ceremony.

The Deputy Prime Minister of Australia is currently visiting the Maldives on an official two-day trip, during which the Australian government will be gifting a guardian-class patrol vessel to the Maldives.

The guardian-class patrol vessels are designed in Australia and built for various patrolling purposes. 

Australian government has been gifting these vessels to small island nations in the South Pacific Ocean as part of the country's "Pacific Maritime Security Program".

The Australian Deputy Prime Minister has also met with Maldives Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef and discussed on strengthening defence ties between the two countries.