President Dr Mohamed Muizzu returned to Malé on Saturday, concluding a five-day visit to the United Kingdom that underscored a longstanding partnership rooted in diplomatic history and forward-looking cooperation. The visit, held from 15 to 19 July, marked the 60th anniversary of bilateral ties and centred on advancing collaboration in climate adaptation, economic resilience, and justice sector reform.
President Muizzu’s arrival in London was marked by a formal reception, hosted by a special envoy of King Charles III and attended by senior British officials. Leading a high-level delegation, the president entered a series of strategic meetings that reinforced shared commitments to what he described as a “strong and sustainable” relationship, built upon “respect and principles.”
Among the key diplomatic engagements was a meeting with Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House of Commons. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation across several sectors, including environmental stewardship, sustainable tourism, fisheries, and democratic governance, all areas of mutual interest and strategic alignment.
That progression of talks extended to Windsor Castle, where President Muizzu held a private audience with King Charles III. The two leaders reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening bilateral ties, recognising both the historical foundations and contemporary relevance of the Maldives-UK relationship.
Diplomatic dialogue continued with a courtesy call by David Lammy MP, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. Conversations covered a spectrum of pressing issues, including support for the fisheries sector, the scaling of climate adaptation measures, investment in renewable energy, and the expansion of educational and scholarship opportunities for Maldivian citizens.
Parliamentary cooperation took further shape during a session of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), composed of legislators from both nations. Co-chair Yasmin Qureshi MP highlighted the global imperative to assist developing small island states, calling for robust financial and technical support and reaffirming the essential role of international cooperation in addressing climate vulnerability.
Business diplomacy formed a pivotal part of the itinerary, anchored by the Maldives-UK Business Forum. The forum served as a platform to showcase trade potential and draw foreign investment into emerging sectors of the Maldivian economy. In his address, President Muizzu outlined efforts to strengthen the country’s investment landscape, referencing the enactment of a new Foreign Investment Law and the revitalisation of Special Economic Zones. British businesses, he said, are well positioned to contribute to the Maldives’ pursuit of long-term economic resilience.
A tangible outcome of the forum was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the West London Chambers of Commerce and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. The event also marked the official launch of the “From Maldives” brand, an initiative aimed at elevating the international profile of Maldivian fisheries products.
The visit also included a meeting with Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. Discussions reflected the Maldives’ determination to advance the interests of small island developing states within the multilateral system. President Muizzu reaffirmed the country’s national ambition to attain developed country status by 2040 and noted the Commonwealth’s vital role in that aspiration.