Maldives has re-established diplomatic ties with Iran after seven years since they were broken off.
The countries made the joint-announcement following the meeting between Abdulla Khaleel, the Minister of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, at the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.
Maldives said it re-established diplomatic relations with Iran in alignment with the interests and aspirations of the people in both nations.
The two governments have also agreed to further develop the friendly relations between the Maldives and Iran on the basis of mutual respect for sovereignty, equality, mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.
The countries have also resolved to strengthen cooperation in a wide range of areas, including investment, trade, ease of travel and people-to-people contact, science, and technological innovation.
The near 40-year diplomatic ties between the Maldives and Iran was broken off during former President Abdulla Yameen's administration in May 2016.
Maldives broke off its relations with Iran citing the Middle Eastern countries attempts to undermine peace in the Gulf state.
The Maldivian government's decision was also influenced by the Saudi Arabian government's move to sever ties with Iran in 2016 after protesters attacked the Saudi diplomatic mission in Iran.
Besides Iran, Maldives ended its diplomatic ties with Qatar during Yameen's presidency as well, which too was mainly motivated by Saudi government's decision to cut ties with Qatar.
However, Maldives re-established its relations with Qatar in 2021.
Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Iran were reestablished following a Chinese-brokered rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia in March 2023.
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