President Dr Mohamed Muizzu recently concluded a historic visit to Estonia, marking the first official visit by a Maldivian President to the Baltic nation. The visit, made at the invitation of Estonian President Dr Alar Karis, highlighted the growing importance of international partnerships in the Maldives’ digital and sustainable development ambitions.
President Dr Muizzu was formally welcomed with an official ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Kadriorg, where he and President Karis inspected the Guard of Honour before engaging in discussions. These talks focused on deepening bilateral ties and exploring avenues for collaboration across a range of sectors.
Key moments of the visit included meetings with Estonian leaders such as the President of Parliament, government ministers, the Mayor of Tartu, and representatives from academic and prominent institutions. These interactions underscored the potential for knowledge exchange between the two countries, particularly in digital transformation, environmental sustainability, and political consultation.
During the trip, three significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed:
- Cooperation on climate change, environment, and energy.
- Political consultations between the foreign ministries of both nations.
- Collaboration in digital affairs and justice.
The agreements aim to enhance the Maldives’ efforts to modernise governance, build climate resilience, and strengthen institutional frameworks for future cooperation.
President Dr Muizzu also visited key cultural and technological landmarks in Estonia, including the e-Estonia Briefing Centre, Tartu Town Hall, the Estonian Biobank, and Greenergy Data Centres. These visits provided valuable insights into Estonia’s globally recognised digital governance model and offered opportunities for future collaboration.
In a statement on his official X account, President Muizzu expressed gratitude to the government and people of Estonia for their hospitality and acknowledged Estonia’s leadership in digital innovation as a model for the Maldives’ ongoing transformation. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to advancing digital governance as a priority.
This visit also strengthened the Maldives’ resolve to build partnerships that align with its sustainable development goals. By leveraging Estonia’s expertise, the Maldives aims to enhance its resilience to climate change and create more efficient and transparent systems of governance.
The trip represents a significant step forward in Maldives-Estonia relations, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to collaborate on mutually beneficial initiatives at bilateral and multilateral levels.
