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The opposition party has criticised the government over the closure of Germany’s Honorary Consulate in Male' and called for consular services to be restored as soon as possible.
Mariyam Adheela
Male’: The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has said the closure of Germany’s Honorary Consulate in Male’ reflects a wider neglect of the Maldives’ longstanding international partnerships and called for consular services to be restored as soon as possible.
In a statement issued on October 14, the party expressed concern over the closure, highlighting Germany’s longstanding role as a development partner and its support for the Maldives’ democratic progress.
The MDP said Germany had been one of the Maldives’ most valued development partners for more than six decades, supporting initiatives in areas including climate change adaptation and the transition to renewable energy.
The party also said Germany had supported the Maldives during its struggle for democracy and continued to stand for democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
The MDP highlighted Germany’s importance as a source market for Maldivian tourism, noting that German visitors travel to the Maldives in large numbers.
The party said the Honorary Consulate had served as an important link between the two countries, providing German visitors with access to local consular assistance.
It warned that the closure removes that local support in an important tourism market where visitor confidence matters.
The MDP expressed regret that the government had not done more to prevent the closure and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the friendship and partnership between the Maldives and Germany.
