PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TOURISM: Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg meets with Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg welcomed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives Abdulla Khaleel for a three-day visit to Malta.

During a bilateral meeting on Monday evening, the Ministers discussed the potential of further collaboration in areas of mutual interest for the two island nations, including tourism, fisheries, education and foreign direct investment. The Ministers also exchanged views on regional issues and underlined the importance of defending multilateralism.

The interests of small nations, particularly small island developing states (SIDS) featured high on the meeting's agenda, as the two countries continue to actively advance the unique challenges of these countries on the international stage.

Deputy Prime Minister Borg commended Maldives for its contribution to the 4th UN International Conference on SIDS, which resulted in the adoption of the 10-year action plan for SIDS. “Malta recognises that international collaboration is key to addressing the challenges of SIDS, such as regional security, climate resilience and economic development," Dr Borg stated.

The Deputy Minister also explained that the Climate Vulnerability and Resilience Index, which Malta's Foreign Ministry developed in partnership with the Organisation for African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) and the University of Malta's Islands and Small States Institute (ISSI), is increasingly becoming an important benchmark to provide targeted and effective support for small island nations, particularly for SIDS.

Minister Abdulla Khaleel underscored the close relationship between Maldives and Malta, two island states that share similar characteristics and challenges, with economies that depend on similar sectors and investments. “We also collaborate in our contributions to international organisations, and we really appreciate the support that we are receiving from Malta in this regard. As small island nations, we agreed that we need to continue working together in international fora to make the voice of SIDS a common voice, to be heard louder," Dr Khaleed said.

The two Ministers also discussed educational and capacity building opportunities, noting that in recent years maritime experts from Maldives have studied at the Malta-based International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI). Students from Maldives can also qualify to benefit from Malta's SIDS Scholarship Programme.

Deputy Prime Minister Borg also briefed Minister Khaleed on the upcoming Maltese Presidency of the Council of Europe, between May and November, which will focus on youth empowerment, the protection of children, combating violence and discrimination, and safeguarding human rights.

Malta and the Republic of Maldives established diplomatic relations 40 years ago, on 5th March 1985.