Addu City Council has stated that the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) determined the southernmost border of the Maldives within the framework of international law and the rights of Maldivian fishermen. The council welcomed the decision to exercise sovereignty on the maritime boundary between the Maldives and the Chagos Archipelago.
In a statement, Addu City Council said the designation of the southernmost Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is an encouragement to the fishermen of Addu who travel long distances. Previously, the area was not under the sovereignty of the Maldives and foreign fishing vessels were fishing outside the sustainable policies of the Maldivian fishermen. However, the government has been given the power to take action against such fishermen under international and Maldivian laws with the decision of ITLOS.
The foreign policy of Addu is based on upholding the rule of international law in a constructive and responsible manner. The decision of ITLOS to determine the maritime territory is proof of the respect of the government for international law.
The council thanked President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on behalf of the residents of Addu for his efforts to ensure the sovereignty of the Maldives.