Maldives-UK Strategic Dialogue: Cooperation to be strengthened in fisheries, security, and education sectors
18 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ހުކުރު 07:35During high-level discussions held in London, both nations reached an agreement to enhance cooperation in Indian Ocean security, counter-terrorism efforts, and the provision of technical assistance to strengthen the Maldives' defense sector. Furthermore, the two countries committed to strengthening bilateral ties through the elimination of import duties on Maldivian fish products, environmental conservation initiatives, and expanded collaboration in the field of education.
From the third Strategic Dialogue held between the United Kingdom and the Maldives. | Sun Online
The Maldives and the United Kingdom have agreed to further strengthen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation in the fields of fisheries, security, and education during the third Strategic Dialogue held between the two nations.
The Maldivian delegation at the discussions held yesterday in London, the capital of the United Kingdom, was led by Dr. Hala Hameed, Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The UK delegation was headed by Laura Beaufils, Director for South Asia and Afghanistan at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting primarily focused on bilateral cooperation to ensure the safety and security of the Indian Ocean region. In this regard, both parties agreed to strengthen defense ties, maintain maritime security, and collaborate on counter-terrorism efforts.
Furthermore, the United Kingdom expressed its interest in providing technical assistance and training to enhance the capacity of the Maldives' police and defense sectors. Senior officials from both countries also engaged in extensive discussions regarding criminal justice reform, judicial independence, and the protection of human rights.
Highlighting the economic and trade ties between the two nations, the Maldives has welcomed the United Kingdom's decision to eliminate duties on Maldivian fish exports, effective from May 20, 2026, until December 31, 2028. Beyond the fisheries sector, the meeting included discussions on strengthening cooperation in tourism, renewable energy, and financial services. In this regard, both parties noted that more than 200,000 tourists from the UK visited the Maldives last year.
Furthermore, the meeting highlighted the significant role of the Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships provided by the United Kingdom in developing human resources within the education sector. At the same time, both countries agreed to collaborate on climate change mitigation and environmental protection. This includes joint efforts to protect the oceans under the 'Ocean Country Partnership Programme' and working together in preparation for the upcoming COP31 summit.
The discussions concluded with both nations agreeing to hold this strategic dialogue annually to maintain their close bilateral ties. Furthermore, they committed to enhancing cooperation within international platforms such as the United Nations and the Commonwealth.
