Maldivian President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu met with envoys from three countries on Thursday, in his second day of meetings with foreign diplomats.
According to his office, Muizzu met with envoys from Bangladesh, Japan, and Pakistan. The meetings were attended by vice president-elect Hussain Mohamed Latheef.
The first meeting was with the Bangladesh ambassador Rear Admiral S.M. Abul Kalam Azad, who called on Muizzu at his Male’ residence Dhimyath, at 01:30 pm.
At the meeting, Muizzu highlighted on the close relations between Maldives and Bangladesh in various fields.
He said he hopes to reinforce the relations and take it to new heights, once he takes office.
Meanwhile, Azad reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to enhancing Maldives-Bangladesh relations, and to assisting Maldives in its development.
The next meeting was with the Japanese ambassador Takeuchi Midori, who called on Muizzu at his residence at 02:15 pm.
At the meeting, Muizzu said he hopes to enhance Maldives-Japan relations and take it to new heights during his administration.
Noting that Japan has provided major assistance to Maldives over the years, Muizzu thanked the country for its support.
The assistance has created a special respect for the Japanese government and people in the hearts of the Maldivian people, he said.
He asked for support from Japan in delivering his electoral pledges.
Takeuchi responded by reiterating Japan’s commitment to enhancing Maldives-Japan relations, and to assisting Maldives in fulfilling its developmental needs.
Muizzu’s third meeting was with the Pakistan ambassador Vice Admiral (retired) Muhammad Fayyaz Gilani, who called on Muizzu at his residence at 03:00 pm.
At the meeting, Muizzu said he hopes to enhance Maldives-Pakistan relations and take it to new heights during his administration.
Gilani noted that Maldives and Pakistan have ties in various avenues of cooperation.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing the ties between the two countries, and to assisting Maldives in fulfilling its developmental needs.
He meetings come after he held similar meetings with envoys from the UK, China, India, and the UAE on Wednesday.
At his victory rally on Monday, Muizzu described the incoming administration’s foreign policy as “pro-Maldives.” He said his administration would foster relations with all foreign governments that respect the policy.
The opposition PPM-PNC’s Muizzu won the presidential runoff election held on Saturday with 54 percent of votes, beating MDP’s Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the incumbent president, who won 46 percent.
Muizzu will be sworn into office on November 17.