The officials discussed further areas of possible enhanced cooperation in human resource development, education, vocational and teacher training, governance, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, environmental protection, climate resilience, emergency response, health, medicines regulation, and women’s empowerment.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Government of the Republic of Maldives and the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia successfully concluded the Third Maldives–Australia Senior Officials’ Talks on 28 July 2026 in Malé.
The talks were co-chaired by Her Excellency Fathimath Inaya, Foreign Secretary of the Republic of Maldives, and Her Excellency Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia, with the participation of senior officials from relevant Ministries and agencies of both countries.
Both countries agreed to work towards elevating the longstanding relationship to a formal partnership.
The officials underscored the positive momentum in bilateral relations over the past year, including the gifting of the Guardian-class Patrol Boat commissioned as CGS Imaduddin on 27 July 2026, and the commencement of direct flights between Malé and Melbourne in May. Discussions also focused on strengthening cooperation in defence, security and maritime affairs, economic, trade and tourism cooperation, development cooperation, regional affairs, and multilateral forums.
In the area of defense, security, and maritime affairs, both countries discussed enhancing cooperation in the areas of maritime domain awareness, aviation and port security, cybersecurity, countering violent extremism, and law enforcement. The Maldives welcomed Australia’s ongoing support to strengthen the Maldives maritime capabilities and resilience to support peace and security of the Indian Ocean.
The officials also discussed expanding economic cooperation through the promotion of bilateral trade, investment, fiscal resilience, and tourism. Both sides agreed that direct air connectivity between Malé and Melbourne will enhance tourism, business opportunities, and people-to-people exchanges.
The officials discussed further areas of possible enhanced cooperation in human resource development, education, vocational and teacher training, governance, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, environmental protection, climate resilience, emergency response, health, medicines regulation, and women’s empowerment. The Maldives expressed appreciation for Australia’s continued support to the human development of the Maldives, through the Australia Awards Scholarships and other capacity-building initiatives.
The officials also exchanged views on regional developments and reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean and the wider Indo-Pacific. They further discussed strengthening cooperation in multilateral fora, particularly on issues related to climate change, sustainable development, and Small Island Developing States.
The Government of the Republic of Maldives and the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia expressed satisfaction with the productive outcomes of the Third Maldives–Australia Senior Officials’ Talks and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the enduring partnership between the two countries through practical cooperation, regular dialogue, and shared action in areas of mutual interest.
