On 31 May 2007 Finland Ambassador to Maldives Asko Numminen and Vietnam Ambassador to Maldives Vu Quang Diem presented Letters of Credence at President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s Office. The President and the Ambassadors also discussed the bilateral relations existing between the Maldives and their respective countries and ways to strengthen these ties.
The President informed the Ambassadors of his efforts to increase the awareness of the international community to the environmental crises facing the Maldives resulting from climate change and sea-level rise. He also spoke on the recent tidal surges and monsoonal storms on many parts of the country, and its devastating impact on homes, livelihoods and infrastructure.
The Finnish and the Vietnamese Ambassadors welcomed the President’s efforts in environmental protection and efforts to usher in a modern democracy to the Maldives.
The ceremonies were attended by the Minister for Presidential Affairs, Mohamed Hussain, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Aminath Mohamed Didi, and the Deputy Minister of the President’s Office, Nahid Ali.
