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The Maldives and Australia have agreed to work towards a formal partnership, with discussions focusing on security, trade, education, tourism, and climate cooperation.
Mariyam Adheela
Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam and Special Envoy for the Indian Ocean Tim Watts — Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
MALÉ, Maldives: The Maldives and Australia have agreed to work towards elevating their long-standing relationship into a formal partnership during the third Maldives-Australia Senior Officials’ Talks held on Tuesday.
The meeting was co-chaired by Maldives Foreign Secretary Fathimath Inaya and Australia’s First Assistant Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Sarah Storey. Senior officials from both countries also took part in the discussions.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides welcomed the progress made in bilateral relations over the past year. This included Australia’s donation of the Guardian-class patrol boat CGS Imaduddin and the launch of direct flights between Malé and Melbourne earlier this year.
The discussions covered cooperation in maritime surveillance, aviation and port security, cybersecurity, and efforts to counter extremism. The Maldives thanked Australia for its continued support in strengthening the capabilities of the Maldives Coast Guard.
Both countries also discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and tourism, noting that direct flights between Malé and Melbourne are expected to boost business opportunities and people-to-people connections.
The two sides also exchanged views on education, human resource development, environmental protection, and climate resilience. The Maldives expressed appreciation for Australia’s continued support through the Australia Awards Scholarships programme.
Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to holding regular consultations and working together on areas of mutual interest in the future.
