The Maldives and the United Kingdom (UK) convened the Second Strategic Dialogue at the Senior Officials level yesterday in Malé.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that both sides built on the outcomes of the inaugural Strategic Dialogue held in 2023. They reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the Maldives–UK partnership through structured and regular engagement. Discussions centred on key thematic areas, including economic and trade cooperation, security and defence collaboration, governance, human rights and the rule of law, higher education, visas and immigration, environmental and climate action, as well as regional and multilateral cooperation.
The ministry noted that both countries acknowledged the importance of strengthening economic ties to elevate their bilateral partnership. They reviewed progress on trade and investment since the first Dialogue and reaffirmed their intent to enhance economic cooperation. Delegations welcomed the growing trade and investment relationship and explored further collaboration in fisheries, tourism, renewable energy, and financial services. They also discussed customs cooperation to facilitate smoother trade flows.
The Maldives and the UK reiterated their shared commitment to maintaining regional security and combating terrorism, violent extremism, and serious and organised crime. The UK pledged continued support for capacity-building through technical assistance and joint exercises in policing, defence, and maritime security.
Delegations reviewed the UK’s ongoing support for governance reforms in the Maldives, including efforts to strengthen the criminal justice system and judicial independence. The UK confirmed its continued support for consolidating democratic governance and advancing human rights, and welcomed sustained dialogue on shared values.
Both countries highlighted the importance of educational exchanges and agreed to explore further opportunities in higher education through Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships. The Maldives raised visa and immigration concerns, particularly regarding the increasing number of Maldivian students pursuing education in the UK. Both parties agreed to continue discussions to streamline visa issuance.
They recognised the role of people-to-people exchanges in promoting mutual understanding. Noting the growing number of UK visitors to the Maldives, both sides agreed to strengthen local-level collaboration, promote cultural cooperation, and encourage friendly exchanges.
The two countries discussed their ongoing collaboration under the Ocean Country Partnership Programme and committed to enhancing cooperation in marine conservation and climate resilience. They identified opportunities to work together in multilateral climate forums, including the upcoming COP30, and acknowledged the Maldives’ leadership within the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).
The Maldives and the UK also exchanged views on regional developments and multilateral cooperation, including engagements within the United Nations and the Commonwealth. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to mobilising international support to address global challenges faced by SIDS.
The Strategic Dialogue took place in a hybrid format. Dr Hala Hameed, Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, co-chaired the Dialogue for the Maldives, while Ben Mellor, Director of the India and Indian Ocean Directorate at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, co-chaired for the UK. Senior officials from both governments formed the respective delegations.
The Dialogue concluded with a joint commitment to hold the Strategic Dialogue annually and to explore additional avenues to further strengthen the Maldives–UK bilateral relationship.
