Following the successful Strategic Dialogues conducted in 2023 and 2025, representatives from both the United Kingdom and the Maldives have reiterated their dedication to enhancing their partnership through regular and structured engagements. The discussions encompassed a wide array of bilateral, regional, and global topics, illustrating the extensive cooperation that exists between the two nations.
Commitment to Regional Security and Cooperation
Both countries reaffirmed their mutual commitment to fostering security, peace, stability, and resilience within the Indian Ocean region. Key areas of discussion included defence collaboration, maritime security, counterterrorism efforts, and protective security measures. The UK reiterated its promise to assist the Maldives in capacity-building initiatives, providing technical support, training, and practical cooperation across various sectors, including policing, defence, and maritime security.
In addition to security matters, the two nations assessed the status of their consular cooperation, praising the effective collaboration between their respective authorities in supporting citizens and addressing shared consular priorities.
Advancing Governance and Human Rights
The dialogue also delved into governance issues, criminal justice reform, judicial independence, and human rights, with both parties expressing their intentions to bolster democratic institutions. The UK reaffirmed its support for the Maldives’ ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic governance, uphold human rights, and reinforce the rule of law. Both nations welcomed the continuation of dialogue centred on these fundamental values.
Progress in economic and trade cooperation since the last Strategic Dialogue was another focal point, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to enhancing bilateral economic relations. The Maldives expressed appreciation for the UK’s decision to suspend tariffs on tuna imports, effective from 20 May 2026 until 31 December 2028. The discussions also highlighted the sustained growth in trade and investment links, exploring potential collaborative opportunities in fisheries, tourism, renewable energy, and financial services.
Education and Human Capital Development
The significance of education and human capital development was underscored as a crucial element of the bilateral relationship. Both nations acknowledged the role of Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships in fortifying people-to-people connections and agreed to seek further avenues for cooperation in the education sector.
The strengthening ties between the peoples of the UK and the Maldives were also noted, with more than 200,000 visitors from the UK travelling to the Maldives in 2025. This influx of tourists highlighted the vital contributions of tourism, cultural exchange, and interpersonal relationships to the bilateral dynamic.
Collaboration on Climate Change and Environmental Protection
Further discussions addressed ongoing cooperation regarding climate change, environmental safeguarding, and marine conservation. Building upon their collaborative efforts under the Ocean Country Partnership Programme, both nations agreed to deepen their cooperation in ocean governance, marine conservation, and climate resilience. They discussed potential collaborative opportunities ahead of COP31, recognising the Maldives’ significant leadership role among Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and within the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).
Commitment to Multilateral Cooperation
The dialogue also included exchanges on regional developments and multilateral cooperation, particularly within the frameworks of the United Nations and the Commonwealth. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively to tackle global challenges, including those that impact SIDS.
The Strategic Dialogue was co-chaired by Laure Beaufils, the Director for South Asia and Afghanistan at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, alongside Dr Hala Hameed, Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, with participation from senior officials from both governments. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue the annual Strategic Dialogues and further bolster the enduring partnership between the United Kingdom and the Maldives.
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