The Maldivian government has declared that full authority and responsibility for overseeing the nation’s territory, including international commercial sea lanes and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), rests solely with the Maldivian state. The government underscored that territorial integrity and national sovereignty are non-negotiable rights upon which the nation's independence depends.
According to the government, the constitution places the sole duty of securing the country’s maritime and land borders on the state. It noted that safeguarding sovereignty and territorial boundaries has been carried out proudly throughout Maldivian history, maintaining full ownership over all national security operations.
Geographically situated at a critical strategic maritime crossroads, the Maldives accommodates major shipping channels that carry a substantial percentage of global oil and commercial freight across continents. Facilitating safe passage through these vital routes represents an enduring contribution by the Maldives to both international trade and regional stability.
Reaffirming its foundational foreign and security policy, the government stated that inviting or allowing foreign entities to monitor or exert military control over Maldivian waters would undermine national sovereignty and disrupt peace across the region. As such, maintaining complete, independent domestic oversight remains an essential state priority.
Concluding the announcement, the government confirmed that no part of the country’s territory will be handed over to any foreign military or external monitoring force under any circumstances. It further urged all parties to refrain from inviting direct or indirect foreign influence that could compromise the nation’s independence.