Muizzu Claims Maldives Has Recovered Disputed Maritime Area

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the maritime area which the ruling PNC previously alleged had been “sold” by the former MDP government has now been recovered and is officially recognized as part of the Maldives’ territory.

The President made the remarks during a gathering held in Meedhoo on Sunday night to celebrate the PNC’s victory in the island council presidential election.

According to President Muizzu, the disputed maritime area has once again been legally established as part of the Maldives’ territorial boundaries.

“The maritime area that was sold has now, once again and through legal processes, been secured as part of our territory,” the President said.

While the President made the announcement, the Attorney General’s Office, which has been working on the matter, has not yet publicly confirmed that the process to reclaim the maritime area has been completed.

However, both President Muizzu and the Ministry of Defence have previously maintained that the area forms part of the Maldives’ territory under the country’s official maritime boundaries. The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) also carried out an operation in February this year to intercept vessels operating within the area.

The maritime boundary dispute became a major political issue after the PNC accused the previous MDP administration of giving away part of the Maldives’ maritime territory. President Muizzu’s latest remarks indicate that his government considers the matter resolved and the area officially restored to Maldivian jurisdiction.