Anne-Marie Trevelyan, UK Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific, has concluded a visit to the Maldives, marking the first UK ministerial visit to the island nation in two years. The visit, which began on 9 May, was aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing regional cooperation.
Throughout her visit, Minister Trevelyan held discussions with top government officials, including Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Thoriq Ibrahim, the Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan, and Mohamed Saeed, Minister of Economic Development and Trade. The discussions focused on key issues such as justice reform, climate change, security, trade, and maritime security.
With the Indo-Pacific being a crucial artery for global shipping, accounting for 60% of global maritime traffic, these talks are pivotal to British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s economic objectives, particularly concerning maritime security.
Minister Trevelyan also engaged with Maldivian and British business representatives to discuss strengthening trade and commercial ties between the UK and the Maldives.
A highlight of her visit was meeting with female judges in the Maldives to underscore the UK’s support for the justice sector and address the challenges specific to female judges in the region.
Minister Trevelyan also visited the first UK-supported marine plastics laboratory in the Maldives, where she met with beneficiaries of UK-funded initiatives, highlighting the UK’s commitment to combating environmental challenges in the area.