President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has reiterated his steadfastness in resisting any pressure that could compromise the sovereignty of the Maldives.
Delivering the Presidential Address at the opening of the Parliament this year, President Dr. Muizzu said when he took office in November 2023, his main promise to the people of Maldives was to protect the freedom and sovereignty of the people of Maldives.
"The support of a large majority of the Maldivian citizens for our government was the pledge to withdraw foreign military troops from the country, to recover the lost area of the Maldivian territory, and to terminate any agreement made by the state that might undermine the country's sovereignty," the president said.
Confirming that the Indian government has been officially asked to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives, the president said the discussions are still ongoing. The president said as agreed in the latest negotiations between the two countries, the military personnel in 1 of the 3 aviation platforms will be withdrawn before 10 March 2024, and the military personnel on the remaining 2 platforms will be withdrawn before 10 May 2024.
"We have officially communicated that the Maldivian government will not renew the agreement which gives a foreign nation the power to measure and map the Maldivian oceans and coastlines," he said.
The president also revealed that a team of experts is currently working to find ways to request and advocate for the restoration of the lost part of Maldives' waters in accordance with international rules.
