The Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade has rejected claims that it favoured one foreign partner over another in awarding the development of a new international port at Thilafushi.
The ministry said the project had been awarded through established government procedures and in accordance with Maldivian law.
It said the decision was based solely on the country's long-term development priorities and should not be interpreted as a judgement on, or a change in relations with, any of the Maldives' international partners.
The government also stressed that the development, ownership and operation of the port would remain under Maldivian control.
"The sovereignty of the Maldives is not open to compromise," the ministry said, adding that no foreign partner had any claim over decisions concerning Maldivian infrastructure beyond what was permitted by law and the national interest.
Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed said the Thilafushi port project was intended to serve the Maldivian people and support the country's long-term prosperity.
"It was awarded through the Government's established processes, and it should not be read as a statement about any of our partners, each of whom the Maldives continues to value," he said.
The government said its "Maldives-First" foreign policy remained focused on constructive engagement with all international partners, while placing national sovereignty and the country's interests at the centre of its decisions.