Maldives has officially established an embassy in the State of Qatar as part of its broader efforts to enhance diplomatic engagement and strengthen bilateral relations.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by the President’s Office today.

According to the statement, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu authorized the creation of the embassy under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, invoking the authority granted to him under Article 116(h) of the Maldivian Constitution.

The new diplomatic mission aims to bolster cooperation between the Maldives and Qatar in key areas such as education, politics, economic development, and defense.

The announcement also confirmed the embassy’s official English name and outlined its diplomatic mandate.

Maldives and Qatar first established diplomatic ties on May 26, 1984.

However, relations were severed on June 5, 2017, during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen, amid wider tensions in the Gulf region.

Diplomatic relations were formally restored on March 15, 2021, under the leadership of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Qatar currently maintains a non-resident ambassador to the Maldives, Jassim bin Jaber JB Al-Sorour, who is based in Sri Lanka.

He presented his credentials to President Muizzu in September 2023.

The establishment of a resident embassy marks a significant step forward in deepening diplomatic ties between the two nations.