The Governments of the Republic of Maldives and the Commonwealth of Australia convened their inaugural Senior Officials Talks today in Malé, marking a pivotal moment in enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation between the two nations.
The talks were led by Ms. Fathimath Inaya, Foreign Secretary of the Maldives’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Her Excellency Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This dialogue follows the inaugural Defence Policy Talks held on September 23, 2024, and includes officials from various relevant government agencies from both countries.
During the discussions, Maldives and Australia reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a mutually beneficial partnership grounded in shared values and common goals. Key thematic areas included governance, democracy, trade, tourism, climate change, defense, security, and development cooperation.
Both nations emphasized the importance of enhancing economic ties and agreed to explore collaboration opportunities across sectors such as trade and tourism. The senior officials underscored the potential for increased trade flows and investments, which could benefit both economies and promote sustainable development.
Addressing global challenges, the Maldives and Australia reiterated their commitment to combatting climate change and promoting environmental conservation. They identified collaborative initiatives focused on attracting development partners for renewable energy and conservation as priority areas for future cooperation.
The talks also highlighted the significance of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Both countries expressed their dedication to addressing issues such as maritime and aviation security, border management, cybersecurity, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and counterterrorism efforts, recognizing that a secure environment is vital for prosperity and progress.
Officials discussed opportunities for enhanced policing collaboration between the Maldives Police Service and Australian agencies, aiming to build regional resilience and stability. They also explored strengthening ties between the Australian Border Force (ABF) and Maldives’ border and civil maritime security agencies to improve border management and maritime domain awareness.
The development of memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between respective agencies was noted, alongside a new initiative from the ABF College through the ABF-DFAT Indian Ocean Maritime Security Project. This project aims to enhance the capabilities of Maldives’ civil maritime security agencies through specialized training in maritime law, awareness, and leadership.
Cultural exchange emerged as a vital aspect of the partnership, with plans to strengthen people-to-people connections through educational programs, training, and community engagement initiatives across the Maldives.
The Maldives highlighted the importance of strengthening democratic institutions and practices, emphasizing that robust governance is essential for building trust and collaboration. Both nations discussed strategies to enhance transparency and accountability, crucial for public confidence in governmental processes. They reaffirmed their commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law.
Furthermore, the Maldives welcomed the opening of the Australian resident High Commission, viewing it as a significant advancement in bilateral relations. The Maldivian government expressed appreciation for Australia's support in formulating the country’s 20-year National Development Plan.
As a result of the productive discussions, senior officials committed to enhancing dialogue and cooperation, with plans for regular future talks to further deepen their relationship. Both countries expressed gratitude for the constructive engagement during this inaugural meeting and look forward to building upon the groundwork established today.
The talks were led by Ms. Fathimath Inaya, Foreign Secretary of the Maldives’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Her Excellency Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This dialogue follows the inaugural Defence Policy Talks held on September 23, 2024, and includes officials from various relevant government agencies from both countries.
During the discussions, Maldives and Australia reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a mutually beneficial partnership grounded in shared values and common goals. Key thematic areas included governance, democracy, trade, tourism, climate change, defense, security, and development cooperation.
Both nations emphasized the importance of enhancing economic ties and agreed to explore collaboration opportunities across sectors such as trade and tourism. The senior officials underscored the potential for increased trade flows and investments, which could benefit both economies and promote sustainable development.
Addressing global challenges, the Maldives and Australia reiterated their commitment to combatting climate change and promoting environmental conservation. They identified collaborative initiatives focused on attracting development partners for renewable energy and conservation as priority areas for future cooperation.
The talks also highlighted the significance of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Both countries expressed their dedication to addressing issues such as maritime and aviation security, border management, cybersecurity, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and counterterrorism efforts, recognizing that a secure environment is vital for prosperity and progress.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇲🇻 (@MoFAmv) September 24, 2024
Officials discussed opportunities for enhanced policing collaboration between the Maldives Police Service and Australian agencies, aiming to build regional resilience and stability. They also explored strengthening ties between the Australian Border Force (ABF) and Maldives’ border and civil maritime security agencies to improve border management and maritime domain awareness.
The development of memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between respective agencies was noted, alongside a new initiative from the ABF College through the ABF-DFAT Indian Ocean Maritime Security Project. This project aims to enhance the capabilities of Maldives’ civil maritime security agencies through specialized training in maritime law, awareness, and leadership.
Cultural exchange emerged as a vital aspect of the partnership, with plans to strengthen people-to-people connections through educational programs, training, and community engagement initiatives across the Maldives.
The Maldives highlighted the importance of strengthening democratic institutions and practices, emphasizing that robust governance is essential for building trust and collaboration. Both nations discussed strategies to enhance transparency and accountability, crucial for public confidence in governmental processes. They reaffirmed their commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law.
Furthermore, the Maldives welcomed the opening of the Australian resident High Commission, viewing it as a significant advancement in bilateral relations. The Maldivian government expressed appreciation for Australia's support in formulating the country’s 20-year National Development Plan.
As a result of the productive discussions, senior officials committed to enhancing dialogue and cooperation, with plans for regular future talks to further deepen their relationship. Both countries expressed gratitude for the constructive engagement during this inaugural meeting and look forward to building upon the groundwork established today.
