Maldives strengthens diplomatic ties with South Africa through new appointment

The newly appointed Maldivian High Commissioner to South Africa, Dr Hala Hameed, has presented her Letters of Credence to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The ceremony was held today at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria on Friday, formally accrediting Dr Hala as the Maldives' Non-Resident High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa.

During the ceremony, Dr Hala conveyed greetings and best wishes from President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to President Ramaphosa, wishing him good health and happiness, and continued peace, prosperity and well-being for the people of South Africa.

She also reaffirmed the Maldives' commitment to strengthening the longstanding friendly relations between the two countries and expressed her readiness to work closely with the South African government to expand bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The appointment reflects the Maldives' continued efforts to strengthen its diplomatic representation and engagement across the African continent.

Dr Hala was accompanied at the ceremony by Mohamed Shujau, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

She will serve as the Non-Resident High Commissioner, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Maldives to South Africa, with her residence in Malé.