The United Kingdom and the Maldives convened for their Second Strategic Dialogue on 28 May 2025 in Malé, reaffirming their dedication to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding
cooperation across multiple sectors.
Held at the senior officials’ level, the meeting built on the progress of the inaugural Dialogue in 2023, with both nations committed to structured, ongoing engagement. Discussions covered a broad range of priority areas including trade and investment, security and defence, governance and human rights, education, immigration, environmental protection, and regional and multilateral collaboration.
Economic partnership and trade
Both countries reviewed progress made since the first Dialogue and pledged to further enhance economic cooperation. They celebrated the growing trade and investment relationship, and explored new opportunities in key sectors such as fisheries, tourism, renewable energy, and financial services. The Dialogue also addressed customs collaboration to facilitate smoother trade flows.
Security and defence cooperation
Acknowledging shared interests in maintaining regional stability, both parties reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism, violent extremism, and organised crime. The UK expressed continued support for capacity-building in areas such as policing, maritime security, and defence through joint exercises and technical assistance.
Governance and human rights
The UK reaffirmed its commitment to supporting governance reforms in the Maldives, including criminal justice and judicial independence. Both countries underscored the importance of democratic principles and ongoing dialogue on shared values and human rights.
Education, visas, and people-to-people links
The Dialogue highlighted the importance of educational ties, with both sides agreeing to explore more opportunities for Maldivian students through Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships. Visa and immigration issues were also raised, with a commitment to continue discussions aimed at easing travel processes.
Recognising the growing number of UK visitors to the Maldives, both nations stressed the value of cultural and local-level engagement to foster stronger people-to-people connections.
Environmental and climate cooperation
The UK and Maldives agreed to deepen cooperation through the Ocean Country Partnership Programme, focusing on marine conservation and climate resilience. They discussed working together in global climate platforms such as COP30, and acknowledged the Maldives’ pivotal role within Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).
Regional and global engagement
The two sides exchanged views on regional developments and global cooperation, including in the United Nations and the Commonwealth. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to addressing global challenges impacting SIDS and to mobilising international support.
Conclusion and future commitments
The Dialogue was conducted in a hybrid format and co-chaired by Dr. Hala Hameed, Secretary at the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ben Mellor, Director for India and the Indian Ocean at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Delegations included senior officials from both governments.
The session concluded with a joint commitment to hold the Strategic Dialogue annually and to explore further avenues for deepening the Maldives-UK partnership. Photo by Ibrahim Asad, Wikimedia commons.