Maldives and Australia have held the inaugural Senior Official Talks, aiming to strengthen the bilateral ties between the two nations and enhance cooperation. The talks were led by the Foreign Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Fathimath Inaya and the First Assistant Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia Sarah Storey.
During the meeting, Maldives and Australia held comprehensive discussions on several areas of mutual interest, including governance, democracy, trade, tourism, climate change, defence, security, and development cooperation. Both countries expressed their readiness to foster a mutually beneficial partnership, rooted in shared values and common goals.
Furthermore, the importance of enhancing the economic bilateral relations were emphasised, with Maldives and Australia affirmed to seek opportunities for collaboration in various sectors, including development, trade, and tourism. Both countries also agreed to collaborate in addressing global challenges, such as climate change and environment conservation.
The talks also underscored the significance of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Maldives and Australia showed dedication to work together on issues such as maritime and aviation security and safety, border management, cyber security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and counterterrorism efforts, recognising that a secure environment is essential for prosperity and progress. Officials agreed to explore policing collaboration between the Maldives Police Service and Australia to build resilience and stability in the region, while enhancing border security.
Additionally, cultural exchange was highlighted as a vital component of the Maldives-Australia partnership. Plans are also underway to enhance already strong people-to-people connections through educational programs, trainings, and community engagement across the islands.
At the meeting, Maldives emphasised the importance of strengthening democratic institutions and practices, recognising that a robust governance framework is essential for fostering trust and collaboration. Strategies for enhancing transparency and accountability, which are crucial for building public confidence in governmental processes, were further discussed as well.
The first Senior Official Talks saw the participation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other relevant ministries and government authorities, and the Attorney General's Office. The foreign ministry described the talks as a success and expressed optimism in working in collaboration with Australia to further enhance the bilateral ties.