The Government of the Maldives has decided to resume diplomatic ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
This comes after the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also resumed ties with Iran following discussions mediated by China.
The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the Maldives welcomes the Joint Trilateral Statement by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the People’s Republic of China announcing that an agreement has been reached between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
The Statement further said that the agreement between the regional powers includes an agreement to resume diplomatic relations between the two countries and reopen their embassies and missions and the affirmation of the respect for the sovereignty of states and the non-interference in the internal affairs of states.
The Foreign Ministry said that in light of these positive and welcoming developments, the Government of Maldives has decided to resume diplomatic ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Tensions have long been high between the regional rivals.
Riyadh broke off ties with Tehran in 2016 after protesters invaded Saudi diplomatic posts in Iran. Saudi Arabia had executed a prominent Shia Muslim scholar days earlier, triggering the demonstrations.
