News Desk
GENEVA —Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdulla Khaleel, met on Sunday with Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Dmitry Lyubinsky, on the sidelines of the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council, in a discussion that highlighted both countries’ interest in deepening cooperation across multiple fronts.
A statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry said the talks focused on “practical issues” related to strengthening bilateral relations, including collaboration in trade, education, and tourism — sectors in which Moscow has been seeking new partners as it recalibrates its global diplomacy.
Tourism remains one of the most visible pillars of the relationship. Russian visitors have long been a mainstay of the Maldivian tourism industry, and although they no longer occupy the top spot for arrivals, they remain firmly in second place this season. For several years, Russia was the single largest source market for the Maldives, and industry officials note that Russian travellers continue to show strong demand for winter and spring holidays in the archipelago.
Diplomatic engagement has also expanded. Russia recently opened a consulate in Malé and honoured Honorary Consul, Ali Fauzy with prestigious “For Cooperation” Medal — gestures interpreted as signs of Moscow’s intention to cultivate a more structured engagement with the Maldives.
The Geneva meeting also touched on coordination within multilateral forums, including the Human Rights Council, where Russia frequently finds itself at odds with Western delegations over rights‑related resolutions. The Maldives, which often adopts a case‑by‑case voting approach, has emerged as a country of interest for Moscow as it seeks broader support on contentious agenda items.
While neither side announced specific agreements, both signalled a willingness to maintain momentum. For Malé, the engagement aligns with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s “Maldives First” foreign policy, which emphasises diversified partnerships and a more proactive diplomatic footprint.
As the Human Rights Council session continues, Maldivian officials are expected to hold further bilateral meetings, reflecting the government’s effort to position the country as an agile and outward‑looking actor in global affairs.
