Bilateral Relations
Though one of the world’s smallest nations, the Republic of the Maldives maintains a strong international presence, raising our voices in support of ideals inherent to the Maldivian nation.
Maldives retains diplomatic relations with 181 countries and maintains 18 resident missions in Bangladesh, China, Germany, the European Union, India, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United Nations (Geneva), the United Nations (New York) and the United Kingdom and the United States.
International Profile
Though one of the world’s smallest nations, the Republic of the Maldives maintains a strong international presence, raising our voices in support of ideals inherent to the Maldivian nation. Among our key issues are ensuring Climate Change Adaptation, harmonizing Sustainable Development, and promoting Human Rights and democratic principles.
Maldives participates in a variety of international organizations and key associations. It joined the United Nations in 1965 soon after gaining independence on 26 July 1965. Maldives joined World Bank and the IMF in 1978 and is a member of the World Trade Organization.
It is a founding member of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation). It also played a leading role in the creation of the Alliance of Small Island States, a coalition of 44 low-lying coastal and island nations, and held its Chairmanship for two consecutive terms from 2015-2018.
Maldives is also party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as well as numerous conventions on the protection of the environment, the suppression of terrorism, and on the promotion of human rights.
On 1 February 2020, the Maldives officially re-joined the Commonwealth becoming its 54th member. The Maldives also became a member of the Organization for Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) on 9 December 2022.
Maldives has acceded to numerous human rights instruments such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).