The visit, undertaken at the invitation of Estonian President Dr Alar Karis, will be the first-ever official visit by a sitting Maldivian President to Estonia.
Avas.mv
His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is set to embark on an official visit to the Republic of Estonia from January 13 to 16, 2025, marking a significant milestone in Maldives-Estonia relations. The visit, undertaken at the invitation of Estonian President Dr Alar Karis, will be the first-ever official visit by a sitting Maldivian President to Estonia.
The primary focus of the visit will be to enhance bilateral cooperation and explore new opportunities for collaboration in key sectors. Discussions are expected to cover areas such as digital governance, cybersecurity, climate change, environmental sustainability, and advancements in science and education. These dialogues align with President Muizzu's vision of transforming the Maldives into a developed nation by 2040 through innovation and sustainable development.
During the visit, President Muizzu will meet with President Dr. Alar Karis, Estonian Parliamentary Speaker Lauri Hussar, and various Cabinet members, including Education and Research Minister Kristina Kallas, Climate Minister Yoko Alender, Health Minister Riina Sikut, and Justice and Digital Affairs Minister Liisa-Ly Pakosta. These high-level meetings will focus on fostering cooperation between the two nations, particularly in digital transformation and environmental protection.
A highlight of the visit will be President Muizzu’s engagements in the Estonian city of Tartu, renowned as a hub of education and innovation. Tartu is home to the prestigious University of Tartu, which ranks among the world’s top institutions in clinical medicine and scientific research. The President will visit the university, the Estonian Genome Database Centre, and the Greenergy Data Centre, gaining insight into Estonia’s advancements in research and technology.
Additionally, President Muizzu will participate in a roundtable discussion organized by Estonia's Digital Advisory Council. This platform will provide an opportunity to exchange ideas on how digital innovations can strengthen ties between the two countries and support the Maldives’ broader goals for technological development.
Estonia is celebrated globally as a pioneer in digital governance. Its e-governance platforms, seamless public services, and groundbreaking e-Residency program have set benchmarks for digital transformation. Recognized as one of the most digitally advanced countries, Estonia offers valuable lessons for nations aiming to modernize their economies and public sectors.
President Muizzu’s visit highlights his administration’s commitment to leveraging global expertise to support the Maldives' technological ambitions. The Maldivian government is currently working on a Digital Transformation Roadmap and Strategy, aiming to integrate digital solutions into key sectors and elevate the country’s technological readiness. It is also collaborating with UNESCO to assess AI readiness as part of efforts to formulate a National AI Masterplan. These initiatives are critical to the President’s pledge to establish a robust digital economy that could contribute 15% of the Maldives’ GDP by 2030.
The partnership with Estonia holds immense potential for the Maldives. Adopting Estonia’s advanced digital frameworks could enable the Maldives to streamline public services, enhance transparency, and improve governance. Moreover, collaboration in education and research could open new pathways for Maldivian students and researchers to access world-class knowledge and facilities.
On the environmental front, Estonia’s innovations in climate technology could assist the Maldives in tackling pressing climate challenges and advancing its sustainable development goals. Meanwhile, closer ties between private sector leaders from both countries could foster business partnerships and technological innovation, boosting the Maldives’ economy and diversifying its income sources beyond tourism.
