I will ensure that the Maldives' Exclusive Economic Zone is defined according to the law, encompassing the maritime areas previously conceded: Muizzu
Delivering the Presidential Address, President Muizzu announced the establishment of a specialized agency titled the "Maldives Territorial Office" to strengthen efforts in safeguarding the nation's sovereignty, further confirming the government's decision to recognize the Maldives' Exclusive Economic Zone in its entirety as originally defined by law.
Muizzu delivers the Presidential Address 2026 | President's Office | Presidents Office
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced his decision to formally designate the Maldives' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in accordance with the law, ensuring it encompasses the maritime territory previously surrendered.
Delivering the Presidential Address at the parliamentary sitting held on Thursday, President Muizzu announced that the Maldives' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) will be formally redefined to include the maritime territory previously surrendered. He stated that the government will declare the EEZ based on the archipelagic baselines stipulated in the Maritime Zones Act of Maldives, ensuring the full extent of the territory defined by law is reclaimed.
President Muizzu stated that the government will submit amendments to the Maritime Zones Act of Maldives to the Parliament, in alignment with the 6th amendment to the Constitution. He further noted that experts have recommended the establishment of a permanent office dedicated to defining the Maldives' maritime boundaries, determining coordinates and baselines, and overseeing all matters and disputes related to the nation's maritime territory.
Recognizing the importance of establishing a dedicated government entity for this purpose, I will, God willing, establish the "Office for Maldivian Territories."President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu
Furthermore, President Muizzu asserted that not a single grain of sand from Maldivian soil nor an atom of its territory should be surrendered. He stated that on November 19, 2023, he instructed the Attorney General to take all necessary legal actions to reclaim the maritime area previously ceded from the Maldives' jurisdiction.
While President Muizzu speaks of lost maritime territory, the ruling by the Special Chamber of ITLOS regarding the overlapping maritime boundaries between the Maldives and Mauritius actually resulted in the Maldives securing an additional 4,687 square kilometers from the disputed area.
