Maldives To Host First-Ever Maldives-UK Strategic Dialogue

The first Maldives – UK Strategic Dialogue is set to be held on Monday, February 20, 2023 in a hybrid format at the Senior Official level. The dialogue will pave way for open and constructive engagement between the Maldives and the UK and will help in further consolidating existing ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

This year’s discussion will focus on thematic areas of economic and trade cooperation, security cooperation, governance, democracy, human rights and rule of law. Moreover, the meeting will also explore areas of environment and climate change, higher education, visas and immigration, and regional and international cooperation.

The Maldivian delegation for the dialogue will be led by Secretary–Bilateral, Dr. Hala Hameed and will include senior officials from various government ministries and relevant authorities. This includes the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Attorney General’s Office, Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Tourism, and Ministry of Environment. Climate Change & Technology as well as National Counter Terrorism Centre, Aviation Security Command and National Security Advisors Office among other participants.

The delegation from the UK will be led by Ben Mellor, Director, India and Indian Ocean Directorate at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. He will be accompanied by senior officials from the UK’s Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Ministry of Defence and Department for Transport.