Iran and the Maldives have formally restored diplomatic relations after a seven-year hiatus, according to an announcement on Saturday.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry revealed that the decision was made “in alignment with the interests and aspirations of their peoples.” Additionally, both governments have agreed to bolster their amicable relations, underscoring principles such as sovereignty, equality, mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.
This development unfolded after a meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Maldivian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday.
In May 2016, the Maldives, a strong supporter of Saudi Arabia, severed its diplomatic ties with Iran, a move that followed Riyadh’s decision to cut relations with Tehran in January of the same year.
The resumption of diplomatic relations between Iran and the Maldives is part of a broader trend of normalization in Iran’s relations with other nations. This trend commenced in March when Tehran and Riyadh reached a groundbreaking agreement, brokered by Beijing, to renew diplomatic ties, reopen embassies, and reestablish missions between the two countries.
