The Maldivian government has stated that no part of the territory of the Maldives will, under any circumstances, be handed over to a foreign military or any other external authority for control.

In a statement issued by the President’s Office today, the government said that the territorial integrity of the Maldives and the sovereignty of the Maldivian state are fundamental, inalienable rights of the Maldivian state and its people, guaranteed by the country’s independence.

The statement also emphasised that the full authority and responsibility for safeguarding the Maldivian territory including the international shipping lanes within its waters and the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are entrusted to the Maldivian state under the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives.

“Safeguarding the territory of the Maldives and protecting the country’s independence and sovereignty within these boundaries is something Maldivians have carried out, and continue to carry out, with great pride. Maldivian history bears witness to this,” the statement said.

The statement noted that, from a global geographical perspective, the Maldives occupies a strategically important location. It also highlighted that the international shipping lanes passing through Maldivian waters are vital routes for global oil and general trade, facilitating the movement of goods between different parts of the world.

“Ensuring that the territory of the Maldives can be used safely and securely is a valuable service that the Maldives has provided to global oil trade and other commercial activities for centuries. Through this, the Maldives also makes a significant contribution to global and regional stability and security,” the statement said.

The Maldivian government said that retaining control of the country’s territory and shipping lanes, without transferring that responsibility to foreign parties, is one of its key policies for safeguarding national independence and state sovereignty.

The statement added that this policy is also essential to maintaining regional stability and creating a favourable environment for international trade.

It further stated that allowing a foreign party to exercise military or any other form of control over any part of the Maldives’ territory including its international shipping lanes and Exclusive Economic Zone would undermine the country’s independence and sovereignty.

The government warned that such an arrangement could also affect regional stability and security, reiterating that preventing such a situation is a fundamental government policy.

“Therefore, we wish to make it clear that the Maldivian government will not allow any part of the territory of the Maldives, under any circumstances, to come under the control of a foreign military or any other external authority. The government also urges all parties not to invite foreign influence, whether directly or indirectly, in any form that could lead to such an outcome,” the statement concluded.