Foreign relations of the Maldives

The Maldives has remained an independent nation throughout its recorded history, save for a brief spell of Portuguese occupation in the mid-16th century. From 1887 to 1965, the country was a British protectorate while retaining full internal sovereignty. At its independence in 1965, the Maldives joined the United Nations on 20 September.

Since 1978, the Maldives has followed a policy of international engagement, intensifying links with strategic partners and the international system. It joined the Commonwealth of Nations in 1982. A founder member of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the Maldives is also a member of the Bretton Woods system. It is also party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as well as numerous conventions on the protection of the environment, the suppression of terrorism, disarmament and on the promotion and protection of human rights.

In the transition towards a liberal democracy, the Maldives has successfully established dialogue and collaboration with the international human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, and acceded to numerous human rights instruments such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). During the same period, the country has also intensified links with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and joined the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

The Maldives maintain resident diplomatic missions in Colombo, New Delhi, Islamabad, Dhaka, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, New York, Tokyo, Beijing, Riyadh, London, Geneva, and the European Union, and non-resident accreditation in a number of countries including Nepal and Bhutan.

Key issues of interest include advancing national development, supporting international peace and security, including the protection of the environment and the promotion of human rights, and upholding the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

Ministers of Foreign Affairs

• Hassan Fareed Didi (22 December 1932 – 31 March 1944).
• Mohamed Ameen Didi (29 October 1944 – 21 August 1953).
• Ibrahim Famudheyri Kilegefaanu (11 March 1954 – 11 December 1957).
• Ibrahim Nasir (12 December 1957 – 11 November 1968).
• Ahmed Zaki (11 November 1968 – 6 March 1975).
• Fathulla Jameel (14 March 1978 – 14 July 2005).
• Ahmed Shaheed (14 July 2005 – 21 August 2007).
• Abdulla Shahid (23 August 2007 – 10 November 2008).
• Ahmed Shaheed (12 November 2008 – 11 December 2010).
• Ahmed Naseem (11 April 2011 - Present).

Human Rights

The Maldives has become a very strong advocate for the promotion and protection of human rights following the democratic transition in 2008. At the United Nations, the Maldives has since then actively called for all countries to adhere to their obligations under international law, and to respect fundamental freedoms and rights. In 2005, the Maldives became one of the promoters of the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention Against Torture after having earlier acceded to the Convention. The Maldives is party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and its optional protocol. In April 2006, the Maldives issued a standing invitation to all special procedures mandates of the UN human rights machinery to visit to the Maldives.

The Maldives was elected to the Human Rights Council in 2010 for the term 2010-2013, in which it has actively supported and contributed to the promotion and protection of human rights for all. It has co-sponsored a number of resolution establishing United Nations Special Mandates, and supported resolutions on improving human rights situation in the Middle East during the Arab Spring, namely on investigating human rights violations in Libya and Syria.

Maldives has especially close relations with India and Sri Lanka, countries with which it shares much culture.

International organizations

United Nations

Maldives became a member state of United Nations on 21 September 1965. The nation became a member of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on the same date.

The Maldives became a member of the following UN agencies and conferences on the following dates:

• United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) - 21 September 1965.
• United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) - 5 May 1988
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) - 18 July 1980
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) - on 15 December 1972
• United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) - 6 April 1971

The United Nations Development Programme has a representative resident in Malé, as do UNICEF and World Health Organization (WHO).

At the UN, the Maldives has highlighted the vulnerability of small states to various threats including terrorism, activities of mercenaries and transnational organized crime. It is also a strong advocate of counter-terrorism and is party to all the main UN conventions against terrorism. Development co-operation is a major priority of the Maldives and it has been campaigning at the UN for a more structured means of graduation from the list of least developed countries targeted for preferential assistance. The main donors to the Maldives are Japan, India, and Australia.

Other intergovernmental organizations

The Maldives became a member of Non-Aligned Movement on 15 August 1976.

The Maldives were a founder member in 1985 of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the nation plays a very active role in the association. It has taken the lead in calling for a South Asian Free Trade Agreement, the formulation of a Social Charter, the initiation of informal political consultations in SAARC forums, the lobbying for greater action on environmental issues, the proposal of numerous human rights measures such as the regional convention on child rights and for setting up a SAARC Human Rights Resource Centre. The Maldives is also an advocate of greater international profile for SAARC such as through formulating common positions at the UN. [1]

The Maldives is a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and maintains close cultural relations with Islamic countries. However, the Maldives has often distanced itself from positions taken by the OIC on matters such as the Kashmir dispute, which it regards as a bilateral issue to be settled peacefully between India and Pakistan. It has also not supported the OIC position on issues such as that of Cyprus, subscribing instead to the international stance taken by the United Nations. The Maldives became a member of OIC in August 1974. [2]

The Maldives joined the Commonwealth of Nations on 9 July 1982 as a special member and became a full member on 20 June 1985 [3]

The Maldives became a member of Commonwealth Parliamentarian Association (CPA) on 1 January 2000.

The Maldives became a member of Commonwealth of Learning (COL) on September 1989.

The Maldives became a member of Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation (CFTC) in 1985.

The Maldives became a member of Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) on 9 July 1982.

Bilateral relations

Asia

Bhutan

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Bhutan were established on 13 July 1984. {00}

Brunei

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Brunei were established on 31 March 1984. {001}

China (People's Republic of China)

China and Maldives established diplomatic relations on 14 October 1972. Sino-Maldivian economic cooperation and trade volume were for long insignificant, with total trade in 2002 of only US$3 million. Economic ties have recently become more important with large inflows of Chinese tourists to the Maldives since 2010.. Capital inflows from China have also rapidly increased since 2008. China's main exports to Maldives are rice and consumer goods. In 2001, Maldives and China signed a deal allowing China to establish a naval base in Marao. The relations between China and Maldives have increased in Mohamed Nasheed's presidential term. However, before being elected for president, Mohamed Nasheed criticized the Communist Party of China saying relations with Communist Chinese were never acceptable due to their views regarding modern democracy.

India

Main article: India–Maldives relations

Bilateral relations between the Republic of India and the Republic of Maldives have been friendly and close in strategic, economic and military cooperation. India contributed to maintaining security on the island nation and has forged an alliance with respect to its strategic interests in the Indian Ocean.

India and Maldives officially and amicably decided their maritime boundary in 1976, although a minor diplomatic incident occurred in 1982 when the brother of the President of Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom declared that the neighbouring Minicoy Island that belonged to India were a part of Maldives; Maldivies quickly and officially denied that it was laying claim to the island. India and Maldives signed a comprehensive trade agreement in 1981. Both nations are founding members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the South Asian Economic Union and signatories to the South Asia Free Trade Agreement. Indian and Maldivian leaders have maintained high-level contacts and consultations on regional issues.

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and India were established on 1 November 1965.43

Indonesia

Maldives and Indonesia established diplomatic relations on 2 September 1974.[4]

Indonesia was the 22nd country to establish diplomatic relations with Maldives.

Japan

Maldives and Japan established diplomatic relations on November 1967.27

Mongolia

Maldives and Mongolia established diplomatic relations on 6 November 1985. [5]

Myanmar

Maldives and Myanmar established diplomatic relations on 15 January 1970.40

Nepal

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Nepal were established on 1 August 1980. 41

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Maldives and Democratic People's Republic of Korea established diplomatic relations on 14 June 1970. 35

Pakistan

Main article: Maldives–Pakistan relations

In November 2004, Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz visited the Maldives and met with President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Aziz offered to extend credit facility, scholarships, collaboration in scientific and technological fields and training of civil servants, defence and security personnel to Maldives. In October 2005, Pakistan-Maldives Joint Economic Commission commenced.

Singapore

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Singapore were established on 20 February 1975.

South Korea (Republic of Korea)

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and the Republic of Korea were established on 30 November 1967. {001}

Sri Lanka

Main article: Maldives–Sri Lanka relations

Official and economic relations between the neighboring Indian Ocean countries of the Maldives and Sri Lanka, have been positive since the Maldives became independent in 1965. The Maldives first established a mission in Sri Lanka in July 1965, and today has a high commission in Colombo. Sri Lanka has a high commission in Malé. Both countries were founding members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in December 1985.

Thailand

Maldives established diplomatic relations with Thailand on 21 June 1979.34

Vietnam

Maldives and Vietnam established diplomatic relations on 18 June 1975.39

Middle East

Bahrain

Maldives maintain a close relationship with the Middle Eastern countries and Bahrain is one of those countries. Diplomatic relations was established on 24 March 1980. {001}

Iran

Maldives and Iran established diplomatic relations on 1 June 1975. {001}

Iraq

Maldives and Iraq established diplomatic relations on 15 September 1971. {001}

Israel

Main article: Israel–Maldives relations

While strongly supportive of the Palestinian cause, the Maldives had not, however, supported earlier calls for the expulsion of Israel from the UN, upholding its commitment to maintaining the universality of the UN. In 2005, the Maldives co-sponsored the resolution tabled by the USA on holocaust remembrance, and in 2007 it also co-sponsored the US-led resolution on condemning holocaust denial. In response to the Oslo peace process, the Maldives relaxed private sector restrictions on ties with Israel.

The first ambassador from Israel to Maldives was Mr. Abraham Darome. He was the first ambassador from a foreign country to Maldives.

Maldives established diplomatic relations with Israel on 25 September 2009.

Lebanon

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Lebanon were established on 25 February 1988. {001}

Saudi Arabia

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Saudi Arabia were established in 1981. On 12 May 2008, Maldivian embassy was opened in Riyadh which was the first Maldivian mission in the Middle East. 42

Africa

Republic of Djibouti

Diplomatic relations with Maldives and Djibouti were established on 7 April 2008. Republic of Djibouti became the 143rd country to establish diplomatic relations with the Maldives.31

Gabonese Republic

Diplomatic relation with Maldives and the Gabonese Republic was established on 20 March 2008. The Gabonese Republic became the 142nd country to establish diplomatic relations with the Maldives.32

Mali

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Mali was established on 16 October 1980. {001}

Mauritius

Both the Maldives and Mauritius were former British Indian Ocean possessions, and both now have similar tourist-oriented economies. Relations between the two islands are friendly, and there is some economic cooperation. The Maldives has rejected offers by Mauritius to open negotiations on the demarcation of the maritime boundary between the Chagos Archipelago, which forms part of the British Indian Ocean Territory, claimed by Mauritius.

Namibia

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Namibia were established on 26 July 1990. {001}

Nigeria

Maldives and Nigeria established diplomatic relations on 1 March 1989. {001}

North and South America

Antigua and Barbuda

Maldives and Antigua and Barbuda established diplomatic relations on 25 May 2002. [6]

Argentina

Maldives and Argentina established diplomatic relations on 14 May 1987. {001}

Bahamas

Maldives and Bahamas established diplomatic relations on 28 September 1993. {001}

Barbados

Maldives and Barbados established diplomatic relations on 29 November 1989. {001}

Brazil

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Brazil were established on 27 September 1988. {001}

Canada

Maldives and Canada established diplomatic relations on 14 December 1981. {001}

Chile

Maldives and Chile established diplomatic relations 1 March 1987. {001}

Columbia

Maldives and Columbia established diplomatic relations on 22 August 1988. {001}

Costa Rica

Maldives and Costa Rica Established diplomatic relations on 28 September 2010. [7]

Cuba

Maldives and Cuba established diplomatic relations on 29 January 1977. {001}

Dominican Republic

Diplomatic relations with Maldives and Dominican Republic were established on 17 March 2010. The Dominican Republic is the 155th country to establish diplomatic relations with the Maldives.24

Guatemala

Maldives and Guatemala established diplomatic relations on 27 January 1997. {001}

Guyana

Maldives and Guyana established diplomatic relations on 15 April 1994. {001}

Nicaragua

Diplomatic relations with Maldives and Nicaragua were established on 11 May 2010 at a ceremony that was held in New York. The Republic of Nicaragua is the 156th country to establish diplomatic relations with the Maldives.23

Panama

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Panama was established on 10 July 1989. {001}

Paraguay

Diplomatic relations with Maldives and Paraguay was established on 28 September 2010.

Peru

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Peru were established on 6 February 1989. {001}

Suriname

Diplomatic relations with Maldives and Suriname were established on 23 October 2008. The Republic of Suriname became the 146th country to establish diplomatic relations with the Maldives.28

United States

Ambassador Robert O. Blake, Jr. in November 2007

Main article: Maldives–United States relations

The Maldives established diplomatic relations with the United States on 10 November 1965 and the two nations maintain friendly relations.

The U.S. ambassador to Sri Lanka, based in the U.S. embassy in Colombo, is also accredited to the Maldives, and the ambassador and embassy staff make periodic visits. The United States supports Maldivian independence and territorial integrity, and publicly endorsed India's timely intervention on behalf of the Maldivian Government during the 1988 Maldives coup d'état attempt. U.S. Navy vessels have regularly called at Male' in recent years. The Maldives extended strong support to U.S. efforts to combat terrorism and terrorist financing in 2001-2002.

Uruguay

Diplomatic relations with Maldives and Uruguay were established on 25 February 2009. Republic of Uruguay became the 147th country to establish diplomatic relations with the Maldives.26

Venezuela

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Venezuela were established on 1 November 1990. {001}

Europe

Azerbaijan

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Azerbaijan were established on 20 December 1994. 45

Albania

Diplomatic relation with Maldives and Albania were established on 25 June 2008. The Republic of Albania became the 145th country to establish diplomatic relations with the Maldives.29

Andorra

Diplomatic relations with Maldives and the Principality of Andorra were established on 19 May 2008. The Principality of Andorra became the 144th country to establish diplomatic relations with the Maldives.30

Belarus

Maldives and Belarus established diplomatic relations on 7 December 1993. {001}

Bosnia Herzegovina

Maldives recognized the independence of Bosnia Herzegovina on 27 January 1997 and on the same date diplomatic relations was established between two countries. [8]

Bulgaria

Maldives and Bulgaria established diplomatic relations on 14 August 1984. {001}

Croatia

Maldives and Croatia established diplomatic relations on 8 April 1997. [9]

Cyprus

Cyprus and Maldives do maintain diplomatic relations. [10]

Finland

Finland recognized Maldives on 15 October 1965. Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Finland were established on 10 August 1984. [11]

Georgia

Diplomatic relations with Maldives and Georgia were established on 11 March 2010. Georgia became the 154th country to establish diplomatic relations with the Maldives.25

Germany

Germany established diplomatic relations with the Maldives in 1966. 33

Iceland

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Iceland were established on 30 January 1990. {001}

Kazakhstan

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Kazakhstan were established on 15 March 2000.44

Kosovo

Main article: Kosovan–Maldivian relations

The Maldives recognized Kosovo on 19 February 2009. On 16 April 2009, Kosovo and the Maldives established diplomatic relations with one another.

On 7 March, the Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed asked police to investigate the allegations of a US$2 million bribe given to Maldivian government officials to recognise Kosovo as an independent state. On 17 March, People’s Majlis National Security Committee launched probe in to Islamic Democratic Party's allegations regarding the bribery. Balkan Insight reported that Kosovo businessman, Behgjet Pacolli, who also heads the New Kosovo Alliance party, has denied any involvement in the bribery case and stated that he only lobbied for the recognition of Kosovo. Foreign Minister Ahmed Shaheed was cross-examined by the parliamentary committee on 28 March. The police investigation was closed on 6 May 2009, concluding that there was no evidence of corruption and the diplomatic process was conducted according to international standards; the NSC investigation was suspended. http://www.miadhu.com.mv

Latvia

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Latvia were established on 20 June 1994. 48

Macedonia

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Macedonia were established on 13 November 2000. [12]

Montenegro

Maldives recognized Montenegro as an independent state on 11 October 2009. And on 26 November 2009, diplomatic relations with Montenegro were established. 46

Netherlands

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Netherlands were established on 3 September 1979. {001}

Norway

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Norway were established on 26 March 1984.{001}

Poland

Maldives and Poland have established diplomatic relations with each other.[13]

Romania

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Romania were established on 1 November 1979. {001}

Russia

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Russia were established during the Soviet Unions period. Diplomatic relations was established on 21 September 1966.

Spain

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Spain were established on 25 August 1979. 49

Sweden

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Sweden were established on 21 August 1978. 50

United Kingdom

The Maldives became a British Protectorate in the 19th century and the Maldivian monarchs were granted a good measure of self-governance. The Maldives gained total independence in 1965. The maritime border with the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) remains undemarcated, with negotiations with the UK being broken off by the Maldives in the late 1990s.

Oceania

Fiji

Maldives and Fiji established diplomatic relations on 15 March 1988. {001}

Kiribati

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Kiribati were established on 20 March 1989. {001}

Marshall Island

Maldives and Marshall Islands established diplomatic relation on 16 December 1991. 36

Micronesia (Federated States of Micronesia)

Maldives and the Federated states of Micronesia established diplomatic relations on 24 October 1991.37

Nauru

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Nauru were established on 9 May 2000. {001}

New Zealand

Diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Maldives were established on 10 October 1974. 47

Papua New Guinea

Maldives and Papua New Guinea established diplomatic relations on 23 September 1988. {001}

Solomon Islands

Maldives and Solomon Islands established diplomatic relations on 18 October 1989. {001}

Tonga

Maldives and Tonga established diplomatic relations on 1 August 1989. {001}

Tuvalu

Maldives and Tuvalu established diplomatic relations on 14 March 2006. 38

Vanuatu

Maldives and Vanuatu established diplomatic relations on 27 January 1988. {001}

Western Samoa

Maldives and Western Samoa established diplomatic relations on 2 August 1993. {001}

Embassies and High Commissions of the Maldives

The following is a list of the current Ambassadors and High Commissioners of the Maldives with their assigned host country:-

See also

• Diplomatic missions of the Maldives

References

23.Diplomatic relation between Maldives and Nicaragua.

External links

• Microstate Case Study
• Maldives Foreign Ministry

• http://www.miadhu.com.mv