President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu states that the Maldives has a historical connection to the disputed Chagos Islands and claims a greater ownership stake in the islands than any other country.
In an exclusive interview with the UK's Express.co.uk, President Muizzu stated that his government has contacted its British counterpart regarding the future of the Chagos Islands, historically known in the Maldives as Foalhavahi.
President Muizzu stated that the Maldives has raised its claim and concerns with the British government in official correspondence. The President said that he cannot disclose the content of these discussions, but reiterated confidence that the Maldives has the strongest claim over the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands.
The disputed islands are back in the spotlight after the UK government defended a deal to give the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and lease back a key military base, following criticism from US President Donald Trump over its handling.
In a post on social media, Trump labelled the move as an "act of great stupidity", months after he and senior US officials endorsed it. Later on Tuesday, he confirmed he was "against" the deal.
The UK government said it would "never compromise on our national security", while the prime minister's official spokesperson insisted the US still supported the move.
The UK signed the £3.4bn ($4.6bn) agreement in May, under which it would retain control of a UK-US military base on the largest of the islands, Diego Garcia.
