In response to President Muizzu's letter, UK asserts that Chagos issue does not concern Maldives

The United Kingdom has asserted that the Chagos Islands issue does not involve the Maldives, following a formal letter sent by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to British Prime Minister Andy Burnham requesting discussions on the matter.

Regarding this matter, the President's Office disclosed on Tuesday that President Muizzu has dispatched a formal letter to the British Prime Minister, Andy Burnham.

In his letter, President Muizzu highlighted that historical records establish Peros Banhos (Foalhavahi) as part of the Maldives, noting that the islands are also geographically closer to the Maldives. The President further expressed his concerns regarding the ongoing efforts to transfer sovereignty over the islands to Mauritius.

In his letter, President Muizzu expressed his full confidence in the continued advancement of the long-standing bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and the Maldives. Furthermore, President Muizzu assured the British government of the Maldives' cooperation regarding the Chagos issue, while emphasizing that such cooperation would be conducted in a manner that safeguards the rights of the Maldivian state and its citizens.

However, a spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office stated that this remains a bilateral matter between the United Kingdom and Mauritius. The spokesperson further noted that this was the reason the 2022 British administration proceeded with negotiations exclusively with Mauritius, without involving the Maldives.

President Muizzu assumed office on the back of a pledge to reclaim a portion of the Maldives' maritime territory, which he asserts was lost under the previous administration.