The government of Maldives did not officially participate in the “China-Indian Ocean Forum on Development Cooperation”, affirms the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed this via a statement issued on Sunday concerning allegations that the Maldives had participated in the China-Indian Ocean Forum on Development Cooperation.

As such, the ministry revealed that they are aware of the joint press statement released by the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) alleging the participation of the Maldives in the forum, held on November 21 this year.

However, the ministry has clarified that the government of Maldives did not participate in the forum.

With this being said, the ministry noted that the government had on November 15, briefed the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to the Maldives regarding its decision not to participate in the forum.

In addition to this, the Ministry noted that the participation by individuals or group of individuals from the Maldives does not constitute official representation by the Maldivian government.

Only the serving president may determine, conduct and oversee the foreign policy of the country, and conduct political relations with foreign nations and international organizations according to Article 115 (J) of the Constitution of Maldives.

As official accreditation to meetings, forums and conferences to represent the Maldives, as per international practice, will only take place through diplomatic channels, the ministry noted that there was no official representation by the Maldivian government for the “China-Indian Ocean Forum on Development Cooperation”.