The Maldives has reaffirmed that protecting its territory, maritime trade routes and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is the exclusive responsibility of the Maldivian state, ruling out foreign involvement in surveillance, defence or operational control of its sovereign domain.
In a statement, the Government said the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are inalienable rights of the Maldivian state and its people, and fundamental to the nation’s independence.
The Government said the Maldives’ strategic location along major international shipping routes carries significant responsibilities for regional stability and global commerce. Maritime routes in the region facilitate a substantial share of international oil and commercial trade between continents.
The Maldives has historically contributed to the safe and unhindered passage of maritime traffic, supporting international markets and promoting regional peace and stability, the statement said.
The Government stressed that entrusting the surveillance, defence or management of Maldivian territory and maritime passages to foreign entities, whether directly or indirectly, would undermine national sovereignty and risk destabilising the wider region.
It reiterated its opposition to any arrangement that would allow foreign parties to oversee maritime security or military operations within Maldivian territory, including its territorial waters and EEZ.
The Government also called on all parties to refrain from actions that could introduce foreign influence into matters affecting the country’s sovereignty.
It reaffirmed that no part of Maldivian territory would be placed under foreign military or operational surveillance initiatives, describing the protection of national sovereignty as a fundamental principle of its policy.