(13 April, New York) The Republic of Maldives and the Republic of Côte D'Ivoire have formally established diplomatic relations today. The Joint Communiqué formalising diplomatic relations between the two countries was signed on behalf of the Government of Maldives by His Excellency Dr. Ali Naseer Mohamed, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Maldives to the United Nations and on behalf of the Government of Côte D'Ivoire by His Excellency Bernard Tanoh Boutchoue, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Côte D'Ivoire to the United Nations. The joint communiqué was signed in the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Maldives to the United Nations. The Republic of Côte D'Ivoire is the 167th country to establish diplomatic relations with the Maldives. The Republic of Côte D'Ivoire is a Western African country, with a population of approximately 24 million. The majority of the population is Muslim. The two countries have been collaborating in the international arena, even prior to the establishment of diplomatic relations, including through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and issues of mutual interest at the United Nations. ENDS