President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has asserted that not a single grain of sand from Maldivian soil, nor the smallest atom of its territory, shall be surrendered.
The President made these remarks this morning whilst delivering the Presidential Address at the first sitting of the first session of the 20th People's Majlis for the year.
Highlighting efforts related to national sovereignty, the President spoke extensively regarding the United Kingdom's decision to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago (Foalhavahi) to Mauritius. He stated that the Government formally submitted written objections to the UK on 8 November 2024 and 18 January 2026, expressing the rejection of this decision. Furthermore, the President noted that during a telephone call on 15 December 2025 with the British Deputy Prime Minister, the Rt Hon David Lammy, he conveyed the Maldives' desire for further consultations on the matter. The President also confirmed that the Government has informed both the government of Mauritius and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) of its strong opposition to any Mauritian economic policies in the Chagos region that could negatively impact the Maldivian economy, specifically the fisheries and tourism sectors.
Regarding the maritime boundary dispute, the President announced that legal proceedings have commenced to recover the maritime area lost following the ruling by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). He announced the decision to rescind the letter sent by the former President to the Prime Minister of Mauritius on 22 August 2022. Referencing the archipelagic baselines defined in the Maritime Zones Act, the President reaffirmed that the nation's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) remains as currently defined by law, including the disputed maritime territory. The President further revealed that following advice from international experts, who concluded that certain decisions by the previous administration caused irreparable harm to the State, an office for matters relating to national territories will be established. Additionally, acting under Article 115 (o) of the Constitution, the President has decided to establish a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the motives behind those decisions, seek legal accountability where necessary, and establish frameworks to prevent such recurrences.
Addressing national defence, the President detailed efforts to double the capacity of the Coast Guard, announcing that 17 additional interceptor craft and a new naval ship would be commissioned this year. He also noted that funding has been secured for two harbour craft patrol vessels and that the second MNDF Air Station, located in Sh. Funadhoo, will become operational this year. Special priority will also be given to strengthening fire and rescue services, emergency operations, operational logistics, personnel accommodation, and administrative governance throughout 2026.
The President outlined a foreign policy that prioritises strengthening ties with neighbours and Islamic nations, focusing on enhancing international cooperation to secure trade and economic opportunities. He highlighted the Maldives' ongoing successes within United Nations platforms and reaffirmed the nation's stance on global humanitarian issues. The President spoke of the Maldives' consistent advocacy against the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories and the ongoing genocide against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, assuring that the Maldives will remain at the forefront of the international movement to establish an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.
