The Maldives has welcomed the decision of the Government of the United Kingdom to pause the handover of the Chagos Archipelago (Foalhavahi) to Mauritius.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said that the Maldives underscores its legitimate interest in the future status and governance of the Chagos Archipelago (Foalhavahi), and views this pause as an opportunity to renew negotiations with the Maldives.
The statement reiterated the government's call to the Government of the United Kingdom to pursue a fair and equitable outcome that respects the rights of the Maldives, supports regional stability, is consistent with international law, and safeguards the longterm sustainability of the Indian Ocean.
The UK is setting aside a bill to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius amid a lack of support from United States President Donald Trump.
Last May, the UK and Mauritius jointly announced a deal that would return full sovereignty of Chagos to Mauritius, which is some 2,000 kilometres (1,200 miles) away from the archipelago.
Britain would then pay to lease Diego Garcia – the largest island and a strategic location in the middle of the Indian Ocean between Asia and Africa, which is home to the military base – on a 99-year lease to preserve US operations there.
But Trump opposed the move, calling it an “act of great stupidity” in January.
