Aleksei M. Idamkin has officially assumed his position as the first Consul General of the Russian Federation to the Maldives. The historic appointment was marked by a formal meeting with Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, during which Idamkin presented his Consular Commission Letter.
During the ceremony, Foreign Minister Dr. Khaleel expressed his congratulations and emphasised the significance of the appointment. He highlighted Russia’s longstanding relationship with the Maldives and welcomed the opportunity to enhance bilateral cooperation further. As the first country to appoint a Consul General to the Maldives, Russia’s move underscores the deepening ties between the two nations.
Russia’s appointment of a Consul General comes as the country solidifies its role as a critical partner in the Maldives’ tourism industry. In 2024, Russia has emerged as the second-largest source market for Maldivian tourism, contributing over 216,000 arrivals as of 21 December—representing 11% of the total tourist arrivals for the year. This highlights the importance of fostering strong consular and business relationships to support this key economic sector.
Russian tourists, who often stay for extended periods, have been instrumental in driving the success of the Maldivian tourism industry, particularly during the peak season. The presence of a Consul General is expected to enhance support for Russian nationals visiting and investing in the Maldives, further strengthening the tourism sector and bilateral trade ties.
The Consul General’s focus will include improving consular services for Russian nationals in the Maldives and promoting economic partnerships between the two nations. Enhanced consular support is anticipated to provide greater ease for Russian tourists, residents, and businesses, ensuring continued growth in key sectors.
With over 1.9 million tourist arrivals this year, including a significant contribution from Russian visitors, the Maldives is poised to achieve its tourism goals while building a foundation for deeper diplomatic and economic collaboration with key partners like Russia.
