President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has invited the British prime minister for official talks on the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, as the Maldives raises concerns over the UK's decision to transfer the archipelago to Mauritius.
President Muizzu made the invitation in a letter to the UK prime minister, calling for renewed dialogue between the two countries on the future of the Chagos Archipelago.
The president highlighted the historical and cultural links between the Maldives and Chagos, as well as the Maldives' support for marine conservation and scientific research expeditions in the region.
He said the Maldives remained committed to a constructive partnership with the UK on issues relating to Chagos, while protecting what he described as the legitimate interests of the Maldivian state and its people.
President Muizzu also said meaningful engagement between the Maldives and the UK was important for regional stability and security in the Indian Ocean, particularly amid growing global uncertainty.
The UK has been moving towards an agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, while retaining arrangements for the strategic military base on Diego Garcia.
The Maldives has previously raised concerns about the implications of the agreement, citing its historical and geographical links with the Chagos Islands.