His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with The Right Honourable Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, during a courtesy visit held on 16th July 2025 at the historic Speaker’s House in the Palace of Westminster, London. The meeting was held as part of President Dr Muizzu’s official visit to the United Kingdom, aimed at reinforcing bilateral ties and exploring new avenues for collaboration between the two countries.
The engagement highlighted the enduring friendship between the Maldives and the United Kingdom, a relationship that has steadily evolved over nearly six decades since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1965. Both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation across key areas of mutual interest, with a particular focus on sustainable development and democratic governance.
During the meeting, President Dr Muizzu and Speaker Hoyle discussed advancing shared priorities such as climate resilience, environmental protection, and sustainable tourism, sectors that are especially vital to the Maldives as a small island developing state. The President also highlighted the importance of the fisheries sector, which remains a critical pillar of the Maldivian economy and a key area for international collaboration, especially with countries like the UK that uphold sustainable fishing practices and fair trade standards.
Democratic values and institutional development were also central themes of the discussion, with both sides recognizing the importance of strong parliamentary cooperation in promoting transparency, rule of law, and inclusive governance. The meeting served as an opportunity to reflect on the long-standing democratic ties between the two nations and the potential for deeper engagement through parliamentary diplomacy.
Following the official meeting, President Dr Muizzu signed the Guestbook at the Speaker’s House as a symbolic gesture of goodwill and mutual respect. He was also given a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster, one of the most iconic institutions of parliamentary democracy in the world.
This visit underscores the Maldives’ proactive engagement with key international partners, particularly in Europe, to build strategic partnerships that support its national development agenda. With the United Kingdom being among the top tourism source markets for the Maldives, the strengthening of diplomatic and parliamentary ties contributes to broader efforts to enhance cooperation in tourism, investment, and cultural exchange.
President Dr Muizzu’s official engagements in the United Kingdom reflect a broader vision to position the Maldives as a reliable partner on the global stage, advocating for environmental responsibility, economic opportunity, and democratic values through constructive international relationships.
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