Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim has stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is working on reclaiming the southern ocean territory of the Maldives. He made the remarks while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of a training programme for rescue divers aimed at fishermen.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Thoriq emphasised the necessity of safeguarding the ocean territory of the Maldives, highlighting the prevalent issue of foreign fishing vessels operating in the area due to inadequate management. He said that President Dr. Muizzu is committed to securing the rights of local fishermen, anticipating positive transformations within the fisheries sector. He also said that the administration is poised to regain control of the southern ocean territory of the Maldives.
Additionally, Minister Thoriq underscored the pivotal role of fishermen in preserving and sustaining the ocean territory of the Maldives. He stressed their significance in mitigating damage to the country's lagoons. He also disclosed the administration's plans to conduct a marine survey through the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), rather than outsourcing the task to foreign entities.
The administration has stated that the policy of the previous government regarding the maritime dispute case filed by Mauritius at the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) was contrary to the Constitution and the laws of the Maldives. Therefore, the Attorney General's Office (AGO) has been tasked with taking all necessary steps to appeal the decision made by ITLOS as part of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's roadmap for his first 14 days in office.