The Government of Maldives has reaffirmed that it will make no compromises in safeguarding the nation’s independence and sovereignty, and that no authority over Maldivian territory will be relinquished to any foreign party.
The statement from the President’s Office comes amid media reports that two unauthorised vessels entered Maldivian waters and remained anchored near Male for more than a week without the knowledge of border control authorities.
The President’s Office said the territory and sovereignty of the Maldives are the fundamental pillars of the nation’s independence and an inalienable right of the Maldivian people. Full authority and responsibility for monitoring Maldivian territory, including international shipping lanes and the Exclusive Economic Zone, is constitutionally vested in the Maldivian state.
The government noted the country’s strategic location on vital global oil and trade routes and said ensuring safe passage contributes to international commerce and regional stability. A core policy of the administration is that surveillance of Maldivian territory and sea lanes will never be delegated to foreign entities.
Permitting any foreign party to oversee any part of Maldivian territory, whether for military or other purposes, would undermine the sovereignty of the state, the statement said. The government gave an unequivocal assurance that no part of Maldivian territory will be surrendered to foreign military or surveillance authorities and urged all parties to refrain from inviting any foreign influence in that regard.
The reaffirmation was issued by the President’s Office.