Maldives and Australia Discuss Strengthening Defence Cooperation
Vice President meets Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Australia | Photo: The President’s Office
The governments of the Maldives and Australia have held high-level discussions aimed at strengthening defence cooperation and expanding collaboration across key sectors.
The talks took place on Monday morning at the President’s Office in Malé during a meeting between Maldivian Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef and Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles MP.
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During the meeting, both sides explored opportunities to enhance defence cooperation and broaden joint efforts in the tourism sector. They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to environmental protection and addressing the global challenges posed by climate change.
The discussions concluded with both parties expressing a strong desire to deepen diplomatic ties, strengthen bilateral cooperation, and promote strategic partnerships in areas of mutual interest.
Deputy Prime Minister Marles arrived in the Maldives on Sunday night for an official visit and was welcomed upon arrival by Maldivian Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon.
Australia Gifts Patrol Boat to Strengthen Maritime Security in the Maldives
Australia has announced the gifting of an Australian-built Guardian-class Patrol Boat to the Maldives, marking a key development in defence cooperation between the two countries.
The announcement was made following a meeting between the Minister of Defence of the Maldives, Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, and Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, who is currently on an official visit to the Maldives.
އޮސްޓްރޭލިއާއިން ދިވެހިރާއްޖެއަށް ގާޑިއަން ކްލާސް ޕެޓްރޯލް އުޅަނދެއް ހަދިޔާކުރައްވަން ނިންމަވައިފިhttps://t.co/EoXy0q2zQN pic.twitter.com/i11WG44oHa— Ministry of Defence (@MoDmv) June 2, 2025
The patrol boat is intended to strengthen the Maldives’ ability to safeguard its sovereign maritime territory and contribute to broader maritime security efforts in the Indian Ocean. The vessel will enable a more sustained presence within the Maldives’ exclusive economic zone and support efforts to deter, detect and disrupt illegal maritime activities.
In addition to the vessel, Australia will provide the Maldives with a multi-beam echo sounder. The hydrographic equipment is expected to enhance the country’s capacity to map its ocean floor, thereby improving maritime safety and contributing to potential economic development.
The initiative was described as a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between Australia and the Maldives. The transfer of the patrol boat to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) was highlighted as an example of the enduring partnership between the two nations.
The Guardian-class Patrol Boat is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by 2026. Australia will work closely with the Maldives to develop a comprehensive maintenance and sustainment package to ensure the long-term operability of the vessel.
The move aligns with Australia’s National Defence Strategy, which emphasises working with partners in the Northeast Indian Ocean to support regional security and stability. Both countries have reiterated their shared vision of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean region.
