President Dr Mohamed Muizzu continued his official visit to the United Kingdom with a series of high-level meetings yesterday, reaffirming the Maldives’ commitment to deepening its diplomatic ties with the UK, as both nations mark 60 years of formal relations.
The visit is aimed at strengthening cooperation in areas such as climate adaptation, sustainable tourism, fisheries, governance, and education.
Yesterday, the President met with the Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, at the historic Palace of Westminster. The courtesy call focused on shared priorities in environmental protection, tourism development, and democratic values. President Muizzu signed the Speaker’s Guestbook and toured the Palace, marking the visit at a symbolic time in the bilateral relationship.
Later in the day, President Muizzu engaged with members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on the Maldives during a session held at the House of Lords. In opening remarks, MP Yasmin Qureshi, Co-Chair of the APPG, emphasised the need for stronger international support to help Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like the Maldives adapt to climate change and build resilience.
In his address, President Muizzu expressed gratitude for the UK’s sustained support in justice reform, democratic consolidation, climate action, and defence cooperation. He praised longstanding people-to-people connections and highlighted the role of education and cultural exchange in strengthening bilateral ties. The session concluded with forward-looking discussions on expanding collaboration in mutually beneficial sectors.
Also yesterday, President Muizzu met with the Rt Hon David Lammy MP, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. Their discussions centred on deepening cooperation in fisheries, renewable energy, education, and scholarship opportunities. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a stronger partnership rooted in shared values and evolving priorities.
The President’s visit to the UK comes as the Maldives commemorates its 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Britain, established on 26 July 1965, the same year the Maldives gained independence. These recent engagements reflect a broadening of that relationship into newer areas of cooperation aligned with the country’s development goals and international outreach.
