Maldives and Angola, a west African nation, on Wednesday established formal diplomatic relations by signing a formal communique in New York, reported Sun news. 

Angola, thus, became the 173rd nation the Maldives established diplomatic relations with. In a ceremony held at the permanent mission of the Maldives to the United Nations in New York, the permanent representatives of the two nations signed the document. 

Maldives Foreign Ministry described the moment as a “historic opening for cooperation” for the people of two nations in all “areas of mutual interest.” Cultivating relations with the nations that respect and value friendship remains the priority of the government of President Solih, the Foreign ministry added.  

The establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations could also boost for the candidacy of Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid who is running for the President of the 76th United Nations general assembly in 2021. 

India has already supported his bid for the position and said the move would provide greater visibility to the Maldives in the international arena.