Australia to establish High Commission in Maldives

Australia's Foreign Ministry has announced its decision to establish an Australian High Commission in the Maldives.

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said that the purpose of establishing a High Commission of Australia in the Maldives is to further strengthen the existing ties between the two countries. She added that a  permanent Australian diplomatic presence in Maldives will build on the shared aspirations of the two countries for a stable, secure and resilient Indo Pacific.

"The new Australian High Commission will support the commitment of both countries to democratic institutions and enhance cooperation with multilateral, Commonwealth and regional organizations. It will promote enhanced cooperation on maritime security, combatting transnational crime and collaboration on climate change and the blue economy," she had said.

Apart from this, Minister Payne said that the High Commission will also strengthen development cooperation and increase opportunities for trade, investment and connectivity in the North East Indian Ocean.

Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid had applauded the Australian government's decision. He stressed that the establishment of an Australian High Commission in the Maldives would further strengthen the ties between both countries.

At present, the Australian diplomatic mission to the Maldives is the country's High Commission established in Sri Lanka.