Publish Date: 23 September 2023 - 19:24

TEHRAN, Sep. 23 (MNA) – In a statement on Saturday, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Republic of Maldives announced the restoration of their diplomatic relations.

A statement publihsed on the website of the Iranian foreign ministry read that following a meeting on Friday, 22 September 2023, between H.E. Dr. Amir-Abdollahian, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and H.E. Mr Ahmed Khaleel, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, on the sidelines of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Maldives, in alignment with the interests and aspirations of their peoples, reaffirmed their decision to restore diplomatic relations.

The two Governments have agreed to further develop the friendly relations between the two countries on the basis of mutual respect for sovereignty, equality, mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.

Both countries have resolved to strengthen cooperation on a wide range of areas including investment, trade, seamless of travel and people-to-people contact, science, and technological innovation.

MNA