UK Hands Over Original Independence Treaty Chairs to Maldives
Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The United Kingdom has formally handed over the two chairs used during the signing of the Maldives’ Treaty of Independence in 1965.
Handover Ceremony of the Chairs Used during the Signing of the Maldives’ Independence Agreement
📃Press Release | https://t.co/ETkvYRPU6t pic.twitter.com/a3teXUt3Oq— Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇲🇻 (@MoFAmv) November 17, 2025advertisement
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The Maldives gained full independence from British protection on 26 July 1965 at 10:00 local time, when then Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir and British Ambassador Sir Michael Walker signed the agreement at the British High Commission in Ceylon, now Sri Lanka.
At a ceremony held on Monday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, British Ambassador to the Maldives Nicholas David Low presented the two original chairs to Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel.
In a post on X, Minister Khaleel said the chairs serve as a reminder of the day the Maldives became a free and sovereign nation and reflect the historical ties between the Maldives and the United Kingdom. He expressed appreciation to Ambassador Low and the UK for their continued support.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Foreign Ministry and the Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage, Adam Naseer Ibrahim.
