The Maldives has stepped up its diplomatic engagement during the High-Level Week of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York, with Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam holding a series of high-level meetings focused on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding international cooperation and advancing the priorities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Minister Iruthisham met with Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, on the sidelines of UNGA81, where discussions centred on strengthening the longstanding friendship between the Maldives and Kuwait and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Kuwait and the Maldives maintain close bilateral ties, while Kuwait continues to be an important partner for the Maldives in international and development cooperation. Sheikh Jarrah has served as Kuwait’s Foreign Minister since 2026.
The Foreign Minister also met Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr Musalia Mudavadi. Following their discussions, the Maldives and Kenya signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations, establishing a formal framework for regular consultations between the two foreign ministries. The agreement is expected to facilitate closer dialogue, identify additional areas for cooperation and strengthen bilateral engagement between the two countries, which established diplomatic relations in October 1995.
Minister Iruthisham also called on Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, with discussions focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing priorities of mutual interest. Prime Minister Tobgay currently leads Bhutan’s government following his return to office in 2024.
Engagement with fellow small island states remained an important part of the Maldives’ diplomatic programme. Minister Iruthisham met Palau’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Gustav N. Aitaro, and exchanged views on shared SIDS priorities and opportunities to deepen cooperation between the two island nations. The Maldives has consistently highlighted closer coordination among SIDS as important for strengthening their collective voice on climate resilience, sustainable development, financing and other challenges faced by island economies.
The Minister also met Timor-Leste’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, to discuss opportunities for strengthening Maldives–Timor-Leste relations. Timor-Leste, like the Maldives, participates actively in international discussions concerning sustainable development and the interests of small and vulnerable states.
At the United Nations, Minister Iruthisham met President of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly Dr Khalilur Rahman and outlined the Maldives’ priorities for the session. The discussions included effective multilateralism, global humanitarian and development challenges and the importance of climate action for small island and low-lying nations. The Maldives reaffirmed its commitment to multilateral cooperation and continued advocacy for SIDS within the international system.
Minister Iruthisham also joined Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef during his meeting with the Maldives delegation to UNGA81 at the Permanent Mission of the Maldives to the United Nations. The discussions marked the beginning of the delegation’s engagements during High-Level Week and focused on coordinating the Maldives’ strategic priorities and participation at the General Assembly.
Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef is leading the Maldives’ participation during UNGA81 High-Level Week and is scheduled to take part in high-level meetings, bilateral and multilateral engagements and the opening of the General Debate. The series of diplomatic engagements reflects the Maldives’ continued focus on maintaining strong international partnerships while ensuring that the interests and priorities of small island states remain represented prominently at global forums.
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