News Desk
MALE’, Maldives — Russia’s ambassador to the Maldives held key meetings with defense officials in Male’ this week, underscoring Moscow’s growing interest in strengthening bilateral relations with one of its major tourism partners in the Indian Ocean region.
Ambassador Levan Dzhagaryan, who is based in Sri Lanka, met with Maldives Defense Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon on Monday, accompanied by the newly appointed Russian Military and Navy Attaché Sergey Belyankin. The high-level meeting followed an earlier discussion with Deputy Defense Minister Fathmath Mizna Ali.
The diplomatic engagement comes as Russia maintains its position as one of the top sources of tourist arrivals to the Maldives, alternating between first and second place, and contributing significantly to the country’s tourism-dependent economy.
While seeking broader diplomatic engagement, Ambassador Dzhagaryan’s request for a meeting with senior foreign ministry officials resulted in talks with Hala Hameed, Secretary Bilateral for Foreign Affairs. The ambassador was joined by Alexey Idamkin, the newly appointed Russian Consul General in Male’, during this meeting.
The timing of these diplomatic overtures suggests Russia’s interest in maintaining strong ties with the Maldives, a strategically located archipelago in the Indian Ocean, while building on existing economic relationships through tourism.
The meetings marked a significant diplomatic push by Moscow in a region traditionally viewed as being under the influence of larger Asian powers.
