Govt reaffirms zero compromise in safeguarding Maldives’ independence, sovereignty

The Government of Maldives has reaffirmed that it will make no compromises in safeguarding the nation’s independence and sovereignty, stressing that no authority over Maldivian territory will be relinquished to any foreign party.

The statement from the President’s Office comes amid media reports alleging that two unauthorized vessels entered Maldivian waters and remained anchored near Malé for more than a week without the knowledge of the relevant border control authorities.

In its statement, the President’s Office emphasized that the territory and sovereignty of the Maldives constitute the fundamental pillars of the nation’s independence and represent an inalienable right of the Maldivian people. It further stated that full authority and responsibility for monitoring Maldivian territory, including international shipping lanes and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), is constitutionally vested in the Maldivian state.

Furthermore, the government highlighted that the history of the Maldives demonstrates the pride with which its citizens have consistently safeguarded national sovereignty within these boundaries.

Acknowledging the Maldives’ strategic geographical importance, the statement noted that the country’s sea lanes serve as vital routes for a significant share of global oil trade and other essential commerce. As such, ensuring the safe passage of international trade through the region represents a valuable contribution by the Maldives to global commerce and regional stability.

Reiterating that a core policy of the administration is to ensure that the surveillance of Maldivian territory and sea lanes is never delegated to foreign entities, the government stated that permitting any foreign party to oversee any part of Maldivian territory, whether for military or other purposes, would undermine the sovereignty of the Maldivian state.

Accordingly, the government provided an unequivocal assurance that no part of Maldivian territory will, under any circumstances, be surrendered to foreign military or surveillance authorities. It further urged all parties to refrain from extending invitations, either directly or indirectly, to any foreign influence that could be construed in such a manner.