The Maldives on Sunday established diplomatic relations with Zambia, marking the archipelago's 166th such affiliation.
At a ceremony held in Bandos Island Resort, the United Nations' Permanent Representative from the Maldives, Dr. Ali Naseer Mohamed, and the Permanent Representative of Zambia, Lazarous Kapambwe, signed the Joint Communiqué formalizing diplomatic relations.
Both ambassadors talked of strengthening the ties between the two nations, and of more coordination within the UN and other international matters of mutual concern.
The Maldivian foreign ministry highlighted that this development opened doors to establish diplomacy with more African countries.
The Maldives have been campaigning for a spot in the UN’s Security Counsel, and hosted talks with Zambia to gain their support.