The Republic of Maldives and the Republic of Congo have formally established diplomatic relations today. The Joint Communiqué formalizing 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 the Republic of Congo by His Excellency Raymond Serge Balé, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Congo 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 Congo is the 168th country to establish diplomatic relations with the Maldives. The establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries marks a historic opening for cooperation connecting the peoples of the two countries in all areas of mutual interest. The Republic of Congo is a country in Central Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean with a population of approximately 4.95 million. END