Vice President Uz. Hussain Mohamed Latheef, met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia, Richard Marles MP, at the President’s Office this morning.

According to President's Office, the high-level meeting focused on deepening bilateral relations, with particular emphasis on strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations.

Both sides also explored opportunities to enhance collaboration in the tourism sector, a key area of mutual interest.

In addition, the Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister reiterated their shared commitment to protecting the environment and tackling the growing threats posed by climate change.

Concluding the meeting, both leaders affirmed their dedication to advancing strategic cooperation and further enhancing diplomatic ties, underlining the importance of working together on common regional and global priorities.

The Maldives and Australia established diplomatic relations in 1974, and since then, the two countries have maintained friendly and cooperative ties based on shared values, mutual respect, and common interests, particularly in the Indian Ocean region.