Eyeing to expand influence in Indo-Pacific region, Australia Friday announced to open a High Commission in Malé to strengthen engagement with tiny Maldives.
“A permanent Australian diplomatic presence in Maldives will build on the shared aspirations of Australia and Maldives for a stable, secure and resilient Indo Pacific”, Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a statement.
Currently both countries do not have their diplomatic missions in each other capitals. Announcement was made at the time when foreign Ministers of Australia, India and Japan and the Secretary of State of the United States met in Melbourne for the fourth Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
Declaring Mldives an important Indian Ocean neighbour, said that new Australian High Commission will support the commitment of both countries to democratic institutions and enhance cooperation with multilateral, Commonwealth and regional organisations.
“High commission will promote enhanced cooperation on maritime security, combatting transnational crime and collaboration on climate change and the blue economy”, she added.
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.
“We look forward to working with Maldives on realising this significant step in expanding our diplomatic relationship”, Ms Payne said.
