The United Kingdom and the Republic of Maldives have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation following the third UK-Maldives Strategic Dialogue, held in London
on 17 September 2026.
The senior-level meeting brought together officials from both governments to review progress since their previous Strategic Dialogues in 2023 and 2025 and to discuss a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues. Both sides agreed that regular, structured dialogue remains an important mechanism for strengthening their longstanding relationship.
Security and stability in the Indian Ocean were among the central issues discussed. The two countries reaffirmed their shared interest in maintaining peace, resilience and security across the region, with particular attention given to defence cooperation, maritime security, counterterrorism and protective security.
The UK also reiterated its support for strengthening the Maldives’ institutional and operational capabilities. This includes technical assistance, professional training and practical cooperation involving policing, defence and maritime security authorities.
Consular cooperation was another area reviewed during the meeting. British and Maldivian officials welcomed the close working relationship between their respective authorities, particularly in assisting citizens and addressing common consular issues.
The Strategic Dialogue also covered governance, justice and democratic institutions. The two governments exchanged views on criminal justice reform, judicial independence, human rights and the rule of law. The UK reaffirmed its support for efforts in the Maldives aimed at strengthening democratic governance and human rights, while both sides agreed to maintain dialogue on these areas.
Economic relations featured prominently in the discussions. The UK and Maldives reviewed developments in bilateral trade and investment since their previous meeting and identified sectors with potential for further cooperation, including fisheries, tourism, renewable energy and financial services.
The Maldivian side welcomed the UK's decision to suspend tariffs on tuna imports from 20 May 2026 through 31 December 2028. Both countries also noted the continued development of their trade and investment relationship and expressed interest in expanding economic links.
Education and skills development were identified as another important component of the partnership. The two governments highlighted the contribution of Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships to educational exchanges and stronger links between their societies. Officials agreed to examine further opportunities for cooperation in education and human-capital development.
People-to-people ties remain a significant feature of the relationship. More than 200,000 UK visitors travelled to the Maldives during 2025, underscoring the importance of tourism and personal connections to bilateral relations. The two sides recognised the contribution of tourism, cultural exchange and regular contact between their citizens to strengthening mutual understanding.
Climate change and protection of the marine environment were also discussed. Building on cooperation through the Ocean Country Partnership Programme, the UK and Maldives agreed to explore additional joint work on ocean governance, marine conservation and climate resilience.
The countries also discussed potential cooperation ahead of COP31, recognising the Maldives' role in international discussions concerning the interests of Small Island Developing States and its participation in the Alliance of Small Island States.
Regional and international affairs formed part of the wider agenda, with officials exchanging views on developments in the Indian Ocean and opportunities for closer cooperation through multilateral organisations, including the United Nations and the Commonwealth. Both sides stressed the importance of coordinated efforts to address global challenges affecting vulnerable island states.
The Strategic Dialogue was co-chaired by Laure Beaufils, Director for South Asia and Afghanistan at the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and Dr Hala Hameed, Secretary at the Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Senior officials from both governments also participated.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the UK and Maldives reaffirmed their intention to continue holding Strategic Dialogues annually and to build on cooperation across security, trade, education, tourism, climate action and other areas of shared interest.
