Male’ and Thinadhoo city councils sign MoU to promote cooperation and development

Male’ City Council and Thinadhoo City Council, on Thursday, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering cooperation in the development of both cities.

The agreement was signed at a ceremony held at the Male’ City Council office on Thursday. Mayor Adam Azim signed the MoU on behalf of Male’ City Council, while Mayor Saud Ali signed on behalf of Thinadhoo City Council.

Speaking at the ceremony, Male’ Mayor Adam Azim said the MoU is aimed at mutual cooperation between both cities, promote the development of both cities, and undertake research to identify initiatives that would benefit residents of the two communities.

Mayor Azim said the agreement also seeks to strengthen the administrative structures of both councils and create opportunities for the professional development of their employees. He added that, similar to MoUs signed with foreign entities, the agreement would also examine opportunities to strengthen trade and commercial relations between the two cities.

The Mayor further expressed his intention to establish similar agreements with other city councils in the future, noting that such partnerships would contribute to ongoing efforts to reinforce the decentralization system in the Maldives.

Thinadhoo Mayor Saud Ali said the MoU between Male’ City and Thinadhoo—which was historically regarded as the largest commercial center in the south—represents a historic milestone in the constitutional history of the Maldives.

Mayor Saud said the agreement would bring substantial benefits to residents and both councils. He encouraged other cities and densely populated islands to regard the MoU as an opportunity to establish similar partnerships and pursue greater cooperation.

"This initiative opens doors for all administrative councils in the Maldives to broaden their perspectives, seek advancements, and engage in extensive consultation. I am confident that other major populations and city councils will embrace this model, leading to further agreements that will provide more opportunities to enhance their operations," Mayor Saud stated.

The ceremony was attended by councilors from both Male’ City Council and Thinadhoo City Council.