Thursday, 16 April 2026, Stockholm, Kingdom of Sweden: Maldives has reinforced its diplomatic presence in Sweden, with Ambassador Aishath Shaan Shakir presenting her Letters of Credence to King Carl XVI Gustaf, marking the start of her tenure as non-resident Ambassador to the Scandinavian country.
The ceremony was held at the Royal Palace in central Stockholm, followed by an audience with the Head of State. During the tête-à-tête, Ambassador Shaan conveyed greetings from President Mohamed Muizzu, along with those of the Maldivian government and people, to the Swedish monarch, government, and population.
Discussions during the audience reflected on the existing relationship between the Maldives and Sweden, with Ambassador Shaan expressing interest in expanding cooperation across areas of shared interest during her tenure. Currently trade ties are limited but ca. 2000 Swedes visit Maldives on a yearly basis. Ambassador Shaan was accompanied by Saifulla Waleed, Second Secretary at the Maldives Embassy in Germany that is co-accredited to Sweden.
As part of her visit to Stockholm, she also held meetings with senior officials at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Sweden. These discussions focused on strengthening bilateral engagement and exploring collaboration within multilateral forums. Previously, the then Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid paid a visit to Sweden in May 2023 in connection with the EU Indo-Pacific Forum. Another important milestone was the visit of then President Mohamed Nasheed in 2009 to Sweden to receive the Anna Lindh Award for his role in securing the peaceful transition to democracy in Maldives.
Sweden does entertain an honorary consulate in Malé, capital of Maldives, whereas the non-resident embassy is based in New Delhi, India. Swedish Ambassador Jan Thesleff presented his credentials to then President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in 2023; year that marked also the forty-fifth anniversary of diplomatic ties between Sweden and Maldives.
Ambassador Shaan Shakir concurrently serves as the Maldives’ Ambassador to Germany, as well as non-resident Ambassador to Norway and Finland, reflecting a broader diplomatic mandate across Northern Europe. Aishath Shaan Shakir arrived in Germany after serving in the capacity as Chief of Protocol at the Maldivian Foreign Ministry. She led her first mission in Bangladesh in the capacity as high commissioner from 2016 to 2020. Having joined the diplomatic service in 1984, she has served likewise in Saudi Arabia and Malaysia.
For further information
The Royal House of Sweden: https://www.kungahuset.se/arkiv/nyheter/2026-04-16-kungen-gav-hogtidliga-audienser
Government of Sweden: https://www.regeringen.se/sveriges-regering/utrikesdepartementet/sveriges-forbindelser-med-omvarlden/asien-och-oceanien/maldiverna/
Embassy of Maldives in Germany (co-accredited to Sweden): https://www.maldivesembassy.de
