British High Commissioner to the Maldives, His Excellency Nicholas David Low,
Members of the Cabinet, Members of Parliament,
Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
and a very good afternoon.
I am honoured to be here at this special gathering to celebrate the Birthday of His Majesty King Charles the Third. Allow me to convey my sincere gratitude to you, High Commissioner and to the Government of the United Kingdom, for inviting me as the Chief Guest today.
Let me begin by extending warm greetings and best wishes from His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to His Majesty King Charles the Third, the Government and the people of the United Kingdom, on this special occasion.
His Majesty King Charles the Third has, throughout his life, shown a strong commitment to protecting the environment, sustainable development, and preserving cultural heritage - and I am happy to note that these are values that matter deeply to the Maldives. His Majesty’s leadership continues to inspire countries towards collective responsibility and global cooperation to protect the environment.
This year holds special significance for both our countries, as we mark 60 years of diplomatic relations. Our partnership is built on shared history, mutual respect, and long-standing friendship.
Excellencies,
Our relations have been further strengthened this year through high-level engagements, including the recent visit of His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to the United Kingdom. During this visit, the President participated in the High-Level Briefing on Private Capital Mobilisation organised by the Sustainable Markets Initiative.
Earlier this year, His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu also had a private audience with His Majesty King Charles the Third, with discussions centered on further strengthening the longstanding tie between the Maldives and the United Kingdom.
I also had the honour of personally meeting His Majesty King Charles the Third in Samoa, during the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting last year. These high-level engagements show the importance placed on our bilateral relations.
Let me also highlight a deeply meaningful moment for us this year, with the handover of the original chairs used during the signing of the Maldives’ Independence Agreement with the United Kingdom in July 1965.
High Commissioner, this was not only thoughtful but also deeply symbolic. It represents the moment our nation stepped into the dawn of independence. Sixty years later, this moment stands as a reminder of the respect and understanding that continues to shape the close bilateral ties between our two nations.
Excellencies,
As we celebrate His Majesty’s Birthday today, we also celebrate a relationship that continues to adapt, strengthen, and grow. Our cooperation expanding from the Commonwealth to the Indian Ocean, from tourism and trade to human development is built on shared values and common goals.
Over the past 60 years, the Maldives and the United Kingdom have built a partnership grounded in mutual trust, steadfast friendship, and a shared commitment to global peace and stability. Our engagements extend across dialogues, security and defense cooperation, climate resilience, education, and economic collaboration, all reflecting the depth of our ties.
As both our nations navigate a complex global landscape, we remain committed to working closely with the UK to advance prosperity, security, and sustainable development for our people.
Let me once again extend warm wishes for the continued good health and well-being of His Majesty King Charles the Third and convey good wishes for peace and prosperity to the people of the United Kingdom.
Thank you.