Maldives appoints first Honorary Consul in Burundi

Maldives has appointed its first Honorary Consul in Burundi, which the country recently established diplomatic relations with.

The individual appointed as the Honorary Consul is a Burundi national, Mr. Sylvére Bankimbaga.

Bankimbaga’s letter of appointed was handed over to him by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel at a ceremony held at the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.

Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid commented on the appointment – stating that it would strengthen bilateral and economic ties, especially people to people links in trade, investment and tourism sectors between Burundi and Maldives.

Diplomatic ties were established between Maldives and Burundi at a ceremony held at the Permanent Mission of Maldives to the United Nations in New York on January 20. With the establishment of diplomatic relations with Burundi, Maldives now maintains diplomatic relations with 179 countries.

Burundi is a landlocked country situated in Africa, with a population of approximately 11.89 million. The country gained independence in 1962. Its economy is mainly reliant on agriculture.