The Maldives and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership, with discussions focusing on defence, maritime security, trade, tourism, climate resilience and democratic governance.
The commitment was made during the latest UK-Maldives Strategic Dialogue, building on previous dialogues held in 2023 and 2025. The two sides agreed to maintain regular and structured engagement to advance bilateral cooperation.
Security cooperation featured prominently in the discussions, with both countries reaffirming their shared commitment to peace, stability and resilience in the Indian Ocean region. The UK reiterated its support for strengthening Maldives’ capacity through technical assistance, training and practical cooperation in policing, defence and maritime security.
The two sides also reviewed cooperation on counterterrorism, protective security and consular matters, including efforts by authorities in both countries to support their citizens.
Discussions also covered governance, criminal justice reform, judicial independence, human rights and strengthening democratic institutions. The UK reaffirmed its support for the Maldives’ efforts to consolidate democratic governance, uphold human rights and strengthen the rule of law.
Economic and trade cooperation was another key area of discussion. The Maldives welcomed the UK’s suspension of tariffs on tuna imports from 20 May 2026 until 31 December 2028. The two sides also discussed opportunities to expand trade and investment cooperation in fisheries, tourism, renewable energy and financial services.
Education and human capital development were also highlighted, with both sides welcoming the contribution of Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships to people-to-people links and agreeing to explore further cooperation in education.
The two countries noted the growing links between their peoples, including the arrival of more than 200,000 UK visitors to the Maldives in 2025.
Climate change, environmental protection and marine conservation were also discussed. Building on cooperation under the Ocean Country Partnership Programme, the Maldives and UK agreed to explore further collaboration on ocean governance, marine conservation and climate resilience ahead of COP31.
The two sides also exchanged views on regional developments and multilateral cooperation through the United Nations and Commonwealth, including efforts to address global challenges affecting Small Island Developing States.
The dialogue was co-chaired by Laure Beaufils, Director for South Asia and Afghanistan at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and Dr Hala Hameed, Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives.
The dialogue concluded with an agreement to continue annual Strategic Dialogues and further strengthen the longstanding partnership between the Maldives and the UK.