Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has extended an invitation to the King of the United Kingdom Charles III, who also is the Head of the Commonwealth, to visit the Maldives. The invitation was sent during the official ceremony held by the King, within the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024, held in Samoa.
In a social media post, Vice President Latheef stated that he was honoured to meet King Charles III. He further revealed that he extended an invitation to the King, on behalf of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, to grace the Maldives with his presence.
While King Charles III, has been invited to the Maldives, his mother and the former Queen of the UK, Elizabeth II, made an official visit to the Maldives in 1972. During this period, Ibrahim Nasir served as the President of the Maldives.
During the Executive Session of the CHOGM, Vice President Latheef highlighted that democracy, human rights, peace, tolerance, and respect for diversity are essential foundations for thriving societies. These values promote understanding and strengthen the rule of law and governance. He pointed out the Maldives' commitment to establishing a solid democratic framework, evidenced by the successful completion of four cycles of free and fair elections—presidential, parliamentary, and local council.
Commonwealth leaders convene for CHOGM every two years, hosted by different member countries. This year marks the first time CHOGM is being held in a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) in the Pacific. It is being held in Apia, Samoa. The theme for CHOGM 2024 is "One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth".