The new Ambassador of Netherlands Mrs Leoni Margaretha Cuelenaere has presented letter of credentials to President Nasheed at a ceremony held this morning at the President’s Office.

After the presentation, the President and the Ambassador discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to further strengthen these relations.

The President thanked the government and the people of Netherlands for its assistances towards the development of the Maldives. He especially noted the support and cooperation provided by Dutch Ambassadors towards the democratisation and reform process of the Maldives.

Informing the Ambassador of the government’s intention to make the Maldives World’s first carbon neutral country within the next decade, the President said the government would require all the assistances and support of the Dutch government and private institutions in achieving this goal.

President Nasheed also informed the Ambassador of the investment opportunities available in the Maldives. Noting that the Maldives need volunteer teachers, the President requested assistances from the Ambassador, in this endeavour.

Speaking at the meeting, Ambassador Cuelenaere congratulated President Nasheed for successfully establishing a modern democratic system in the Maldives. She also expressed her confidence that the Maldives would attain greater heights of development and prosperity during the tenure of President Nasheed. Further, the Ambassador assured that she would work in finding volunteer teachers and Dutch investments to the Maldives.