The Commonwealth has praised the Maldives for its advocacy on behalf of small island developing states (SIDS).

Following a meeting with Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam, Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey said she valued the Maldives' close engagement with the organization and its leadership in championing the priorities of small states and SIDS across the Commonwealth.

In a post on social media, Botchwey also commended the Maldives' efforts to protect and promote the interests of small island nations within the Commonwealth.

The Foreign Ministry said discussions during the meeting focused on further strengthening relations between the Maldives and the Commonwealth.

Maldives withdrew from the Commonwealth of Nations in 2016 during the administration of former president Abdulla Yameen.

The decision came after the government was placed on the agenda of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group, which raised concerns over developments in the country and warned that Maldives could face suspension unless reforms were implemented.

Maldives later rejoined the Commonwealth in 2020 under the administration of former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.