News Desk
A Shared Horizon: Celebrating Russia Day and the Enduring Bond Between Russia and the Maldives
By Levan Dzhagaryan, Russian Ambassador to the Maldives
As the Russian Federation commemorates Russia Day, a celebration of our nation’s sovereignty and unity, I find myself reflecting on the deep and evolving relationship between Russia and the Maldives. From my vantage point as Ambassador for Maldives, where the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean meet the vibrant spirit of this island nation, it is clear that our two countries share a bond built on mutual respect, shared aspirations, and a commitment to collaboration. On this Russia Day, as we honor our nation’s journey, we also celebrate the enduring friendship that has flourished between Moscow and Malé for nearly six decades.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on September 14, 1966, Russia and the Maldives have cultivated a partnership rooted in equality and goodwill. Over the years, this relationship has grown from modest beginnings into a multifaceted collaboration that spans education, tourism, trade, and international cooperation. The Maldives, with its breathtaking natural beauty and strategic position in the Indian Ocean, has become a cherished destination for Russian travelers, while Russia has opened its doors to Maldivian students and professionals, fostering connections that transcend borders.
Tourism, the lifeblood of the Maldives’ economy, stands as a cornerstone of our bilateral ties. In recent years, Russia has consistently ranked among the top sources of visitors to these sun-kissed islands, with nearly 200,000 Russian tourists arriving in 2024 alone. The allure of the Maldives’ pristine beaches and vibrant marine life has captivated Russian hearts, and the warmth of Maldivian hospitality has made these visits unforgettable. The visa-free travel agreement signed in 2019, allowing citizens of both nations to visit for up to 90 days, has further strengthened these people-to-people ties, enabling Russians and Maldivians to explore each other’s cultures with ease.
Beyond tourism, our cooperation extends to education and capacity-building. Since the 1970s, Russia has provided scholarships and training opportunities for Maldivian students, with over 50 professionals educated in Russian universities, many of whom now hold influential positions in the Maldives’ government and institutions. In 2020–2021, we proudly offered additional scholarships, reinforcing our commitment to empowering the next generation of Maldivian leaders. These educational exchanges are not merely academic; they are bridges that connect our peoples, fostering mutual understanding and shared goals.
On the international stage, Russia and the Maldives have found common ground in addressing global challenges.
The Maldives’ principled decision to establish an embassy in Moscow in 2019 and the agreement to open a Russian Consulate General in Malé in 2021 underscore the deepening political trust between our nations. These milestones are not mere formalities; they signal a shared vision for a partnership that is dynamic and forward-looking.
Recent years have tested the resilience of global relationships, with economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions reshaping international dynamics. Yet, the Russia-Maldives relationship has remained steadfast. Our trade, though modest at $3.2 million in 2019, holds untapped potential, particularly in agriculture and marine resources. Discussions during Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid’s historic 2019 visit to Moscow highlighted opportunities to diversify our economic ties, from Russian poultry exports to Maldivian marine bioresources. These conversations, coupled with regular high-level dialogues, reflect a mutual desire to elevate our economic partnership.
Defense cooperation is another emerging pillar of our relationship. My recent meetings with Maldivian Defense Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon in October 2024 underscored Russia’s interest in deepening security ties. As the Maldives navigates its strategic role in the Indian Ocean, we see opportunities to collaborate on shared priorities, from maritime security to regional stability. These discussions, alongside the 2019 visit of Maldives Defense Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi to Russia, signal a broadening of our partnership beyond traditional domains.
As we celebrate Russia Day, we are reminded that sovereignty is not just about independence but about the ability to forge meaningful connections with others. The Maldives, a small island nation with a global voice, embodies this spirit. Its commitment to sovereign equality and diplomacy, as articulated by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in response to global challenges, resonates deeply with Russia’s own values.
Our shared history is rich with milestones, from the signing of the Air Transport Agreement in 1995 to the warm exchanges between our foreign ministers in recent years. Yet, it is the future that excites me most. As Russia and the Maldives explore new avenues for cooperation—be it in sustainable tourism, education, or regional security—we are writing the next chapter of a story that began 59 years ago. On this Russia Day, I extend my heartfelt wishes to the people of the Maldives for continued prosperity and peace. Together, let us continue to build a partnership that reflects the best of our nations’ aspirations—a partnership as boundless as the ocean that unites us.
Levan Dzhagaryan is the Russian Ambassador to the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
