The Maldivian government has reaffirmed its opposition to placing any part of the country’s territory or maritime areas under foreign military or other control, declaring the protection of national sovereignty a fundamental state policy.
In a statement issued today, the government said the country’s territory and sovereignty were inalienable rights of the Maldivian state and its people, with the Constitution placing responsibility for safeguarding them on the Maldivian state.
The statement highlighted the Maldives’ strategic geographical position and the importance of international maritime trade routes passing through its waters, including routes used to transport oil and other goods.
The government said ensuring the safe passage of international shipping had long been a valuable contribution by the Maldives to global trade, regional stability and international peace.
It stressed that responsibility for protecting Maldivian territory and maritime routes must not be transferred to foreign parties, describing the policy as essential to preserving the country’s independence and sovereignty.
Allowing foreign parties to protect any part of Maldivian territory, whether through military means or otherwise, would undermine national sovereignty and could affect regional stability and security, the government said.
The statement also reaffirmed that the government would not permit any part of Maldivian territory to be placed under the protection or control of a foreign military or other force under any circumstances.
The government urged all parties not to invite foreign influence, directly or indirectly, in ways that could circumvent the policy.
The statement did not identify any specific foreign country or refer to a particular proposed arrangement.
