President Muizzu Welcomes French Ambassador to Strengthen Diplomatic and Maritime Ties

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu formally received the Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of France to the Maldives, Rémi Lambert, during a credential ceremony held at the President’s Office. The proceedings began with a traditional 'Haiykolhu' cultural procession, where Ambassador Lambert was escorted to the venue accompanied by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Drum and Trumpet Band, reflecting the high level of diplomatic honor accorded to the visiting envoy. Upon accepting the Letter of Credence, President Muizzu officially welcomed Ambassador Lambert, marking the formal commencement of his diplomatic duties in the Maldives. The ceremony served as a preamble to high-level discussions aimed at deepening the strategic partnership between the two nations. Following the formal presentation, the President and the Ambassador engaged in comprehensive talks focusing on several critical areas of mutual interest. Key topics included the expansion of tourism, enhanced maritime cooperation, and the urgent need for marine protection and climate change mitigation—issues that remain central to the Maldives' national security and economic survival. Security and regional stability also featured prominently in the discussions, as both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining and strengthening the longstanding diplomatic bond between Malé and Paris. These talks underscore a shared vision for stability and environmental resilience in the Indian Ocean region. Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and France were first established on May 20, 1969. This latest exchange of credentials ensures the continuity of these ties, providing a structured channel for bilateral cooperation on global challenges and economic growth.