The Maldivian government on Friday announced that it has decided to resume diplomatic ties with Iran in light of Saudi Arabia reconciling with the country after seven years.
Saudi Arabia and Iran re-established diplomatic ties after mediation talks led by China. The two countries reaffirmed their respect for the sovereignty of the states and their non-interference policy in the internal affairs of countries.
The Maldives' Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Friday, welcoming the joint trilateral statement by Saudi Arabia, Iran, and China.
The agreement reached between Saudi Arabia and Iran also states that the two countries will reopen their embassies and missions in their respective countries.
The Maldives severed diplomatic relations with Iran on May 17, 2016, during former President Abdulla Yameen's administration, citing the undermining of peace and stability in the Middle East as its reason. In January of that year, Saudi Arabia also severed ties with Iran.
The Govt of Maldives severs diplomatic relations with #Iran. Iran plays detrimental role in peace & security in Middle East & Arabia Gulf.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇲🇻 (@MoFAmv) May 17, 2016
On June 5, 2017, the Maldivian government severed relations with Qatar, following Saudi Arabia's decision to do so. However, on January 6, 2021, the current administration re-establish relations with Qatar.
Restoring relations with the international community was one of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's most important pledges when he ran for office.
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