Maldives Holds Series of Bilateral Meetings on the Sidelines Of UNGA To Strengthen Diplomatic Ties
Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Maldives has been engaging in a series of high-level bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, aimed at deepening diplomatic relations and enhancing international cooperation with partner nations.
The Maldives is represented at the UNGA by Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel, who on Friday met with the foreign ministers of eight countries, including several fellow small island nations.
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
Minister @abkhaleel met with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia Sugiono, on the sidelines of #UNGA80.
They discussed key issues of interest for both countries, including cooperation in the multilateral forums. #MDVatUNGA80 pic.twitter.com/CKMEoFRJLg— Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇲🇻 (@MoFAmv) September 27, 2025
During his meeting with Ilza Maria dos Santos Amado Vaz, the Foreign Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe, both ministers emphasised the importance of cooperation between small island states. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and collaboration in multilateral forums.
In a meeting with Frederick Stephenson, the Foreign Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the two ministers discussed reinforcing cooperation within the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) framework and working together on shared international priorities.
Dr Khaleel also met with Tuvalu’s Minister for Justice, Communications and Foreign Affairs, Paulson Panapa, to explore joint efforts in advancing the development priorities of small island nations.
Further, the Maldives and the Philippines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Political Consultations during a meeting between Dr Khaleel and the Philippine Foreign Minister, Theresa Lazaro. The agreement aims to strengthen long-standing ties and establish a framework for political dialogue, cooperation, and exchange across multiple sectors.
In discussions with Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Sugiono, the focus was on expanding bilateral relations and promoting collaboration in international affairs.
The Foreign Minister also held meetings with Kalani Kaneko of the Marshall Islands, Sirojiddin Muhriddin of Tajikistan, and Dato Erywan Yusof, the Second Foreign Minister of Brunei. These talks centred on advancing cooperation and enhancing engagement at both bilateral and global levels.
Dr Khaleel has also held additional meetings with counterparts from other nations during his visit to New York for the UNGA, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the Maldives’ diplomatic presence and partnerships on the international stage.
