Ambassador Alan L. Deniega of the Republic of the Philippines presented his Letter of Credence to the President of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, at simple ceremonies at the President’s Office in Malé on 15 November 2021.

President Solih was accompanied by his Chief of Staff H.E. Uz. Ali Zahir, Secretary for Foreign Relations H.E. Ibrahim Hood, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H.E. Ahmed Khaleel. The presentation was preceded by a call on the Chief of Protocol, Her Excellency Aishath Shaan Shakir, who was the previous High Commissioner of Maldives in Dhaka.

After presenting his credentials, Ambassador Deniega had two meetings in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with State Minister Ahmed Khaleel, and later with Ambassador-at-Large H.E. Ahmed Saleem and other MFA officials.

In all of these meetings, Ambassador Deniega thanked President Solih and the other Maldivian high government officials for helping look after the concerns of Filipinos working in Maldives, especially during the pandemic lockdowns. Many Filipino nationals belong to the tourism and hospitality industry. In this regard, it was noted that Filipino workers are held in high regard, especially by the private sector in Maldives, not only for their dedication to their work, but also for many similarities, including values, with Maldivians.

Ambassador Deniega also congratulated President Solih for the remarkable adaptation of the country to the COVID-19 situation since last year, which allowed the country to maximize its tourism industry as an engine of growth, and for the successful Presidency of Maldives at the UN General Assembly. Issues of common concern, such as climate change and enhancing people-to-people exchanges, were also taken up. Both sides agreed to discuss other matters in future visits and meetings.