Maldives has pledged to continue strengthening its engagement with the Commonwealth and expanding cooperation in key areas of shared priority, according to Minister of Foreign Affairs Iruthisham Adam.

The assurance was given during a high-level meeting with Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey held at Marlborough House in London, the organisation’s headquarters.

The discussions were described by the foreign minister as an important step in ongoing efforts to reinforce the Maldives’ international partnerships and broaden collaboration within multilateral platforms.

The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between the Maldives and the Commonwealth, particularly in areas affecting small island developing states (SIDS), with both sides highlighting the importance of sustained dialogue and partnership.

Following the talks, Secretary-General Botchwey said in a social media statement that the Commonwealth greatly values the Maldives’ active participation and its role in advocating for the interests of small states across the organisation.

She also noted that the meeting marked a positive moment in advancing relations between the two sides and expressed confidence that continued engagement would further strengthen cooperation in the future.

The Maldives, which rejoined the Commonwealth in recent years, has since expanded its participation in the organisation’s programmes and initiatives across multiple sectors, with a continued focus on issues affecting vulnerable island nations.