In a high-level meeting held at the President’s Office on Monday, Vice President Uz. Hussain Mohamed Latheef and Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles MP, engaged in wide-ranging discussions aimed at deepening bilateral ties between the Maldives and Australia.
The talks centred on enhancing defence cooperation, with both leaders expressing a shared commitment to bolstering regional security through collaborative efforts. The meeting highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships in ensuring peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
Tourism—an economic lifeline for both island and coastal nations—was also a key point of discussion. Vice President Latheef and Deputy PM Marles explored opportunities to promote sustainable tourism practices that support economic growth while safeguarding natural and cultural heritage.
Environmental protection and climate action featured prominently in the dialogue, underscoring the shared challenges faced by both countries in addressing the climate crisis. Given the Maldives’ vulnerability as a low-lying island nation, both parties agreed on the urgency of joint action to build climate resilience and protect marine ecosystems.
Concluding the meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed the strong diplomatic relationship between the Maldives and Australia. They committed to advancing collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including sustainable development, defence cooperation, and environmental stewardship.
The visit by Deputy Prime Minister Marles signals growing momentum in Maldives-Australia relations, as both nations navigate global challenges through partnership and shared values.
