Australia has officially inaugurated its first-ever High Commission in the Republic of Maldives, a development that further deepens diplomatic engagement and collaboration between the two nations. The new Australian High Commission is located in the Hotel Jen building in Malé City and was formally opened during a ceremony attended by senior Maldivian and Australian officials.
Representing the Maldives at the event, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Dr Maryam Mariya, underscored the longstanding diplomatic relations between the two countries, established in 1974. She described the relationship as one founded on mutual trust and respect, noting that the presence of a resident Australian High Commission demonstrates the growing strength of bilateral ties. Dr Mariya also acknowledged Australia’s enduring contributions to maritime security, education, and healthcare in the Maldives, and expressed hope for continued progress and cooperation.
Speaking at the ceremony, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, highlighted the importance of this diplomatic milestone, describing it as an expression of Australia’s commitment to expanding its engagement in the Indian Ocean region. He reaffirmed Australia’s ongoing support for the Maldives in areas such as education and skills development, and noted plans to strengthen collaboration in defence.
Marles announced that Australia will donate a Guardian-class patrol vessel to the Maldives as part of its broader Pacific Maritime Security Program. These vessels are designed and built in Australia and are intended to help small island nations enhance maritime domain awareness and coastal patrol capabilities. He further shared that Australia is working to offer naval training opportunities to Maldivians through the Royal Australian Navy, signalling an intent to deepen military-to-military cooperation with the Maldives National Defence Force.
Australian Ambassador to the Maldives, David Jessup, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the depth of Australia’s engagement with the Maldives over the years. He revealed that more than 700 Maldivians have undergone training in Australia, with many now holding leadership roles in public service and politics. Ambassador Jessup expressed confidence that the High Commission will foster closer collaboration in emerging sectors and ensure more direct diplomatic engagement between the two governments.
The inauguration of the High Commission coincides with the Deputy Prime Minister’s official two-day visit to the Maldives. During his visit, Marles met with Maldives’ Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef to discuss further opportunities for defence cooperation.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Nazim also attended the event, along with several other Maldivian government officials. The opening has been widely welcomed across key government institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In a message shared on social media, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel celebrated the establishment of the High Commission and thanked the Australian Government for its generous donation of a Guardian-class patrol boat and hydrography equipment.
The establishment of Australia’s first High Commission in Malé marks a new chapter in a relationship that has spanned five decades, reinforcing shared interests and cooperation between the two island nations.
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