President Extends Congratulations to German Chancellor Merz, Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Diplomatic Relations

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has formally congratulated Joachim-Friedrich Martin Josef Merz on his election as Chancellor of Germany, underscoring the Maldives' commitment to its longstanding ties with Berlin and expressing optimism for strengthened cooperation in the coming years.

In his statement, President Muizzu highlighted the close and friendly relations between the two nations, highlighting the opportunities that Merz's tenure presents for deepening diplomatic engagement. "The Maldives values our close and friendly relations and looks forward to deepening bilateral cooperation and advancing shared global priorities during your tenure," he said.

Merz, leader of Germany's conservative bloc, secured his position after a second round of parliamentary voting, following an initial setback in his alliance with the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD). His failure to secure parliamentary backing in the first round marked a historic moment in post-war German politics, a challenge that underscored the complexities of forming stable governance in a shifting political landscape.

On Tuesday, Merz received 325 votes, surpassing the required threshold of 316 in the 630-member Bundestag. His initial attempt saw him fall short, securing only 310 votes—despite his coalition holding 328 seats. The voting process reflected the broader negotiations within Germany's political sphere, as the new government seeks a cohesive path forward.

President Muizzu's message reinforces the Maldives' commitment to strengthening ties with Germany, particularly in multilateral forums where shared priorities intersect. His remarks signal a broader intent to deepen collaboration as both nations address global challenges requiring coordinated diplomatic efforts.