AGP Executive Report

MDP Leadership: Former President Mohamed Nasheed has won the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) chairperson election by a landslide, taking nearly 69% of votes and vowing to push the Muizzu government to account, after alleging politically driven firings in state-linked companies. Parliament & Governance: The government has tightened enforcement on single-use plastics, setting penalties and moving toward a September ban on small retail plastic bags under 30cm, with earlier bans expanded since 2022. Anti-Corruption & Civil Service: Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu told a civil service conference that corruption can only be tackled through transparent, citizen-focused public service delivery under “Maldives 2.0.” Health Diplomacy: India sent 20,000 MR measles vaccine doses and about three tonnes of medical supplies to the Maldives as cases rise, citing “Neighbourhood First” support. International Rights: The UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture will revisit Sri Lanka from 15–24 June, with delegation head Aisha Shujune Muhammad of the Maldives. Regional Links: SAARC CCI discussed expanding South Asia–Yunnan trade, investment, tourism and connectivity, with Maldives State Minister Ismail Rifau attending.

MDP Leadership Showdown: Former President Mohamed Nasheed has won the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) chairperson election by a wide margin, taking nearly 69% of votes and sweeping most atolls and major cities, after a nationwide poll of over 30,000 members. Political Tension: Nasheed followed up with a sharp warning to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s government, alleging political dismissals in state-linked companies and urging parties to unite to hold the state accountable. Parliament & Diplomacy: Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal led a four-member parliamentary delegation back from China’s Yunnan Province after a four-day visit that included the China–South Asia Cooperation Forum and the China–South Asia Expo, with Maldives Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam among participants. Environment Policy: The government tightened enforcement rules on single-use plastics, setting penalties for import, manufacture, sale and use of banned items, including a retail ban on small plastic bags from September. Anti-Corruption Message: Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu said corruption can only be eliminated through civil servants’ transparency and citizen-focused service delivery. Health Security: India sent 20,000 MR measles vaccine doses and about three tonnes of medical supplies to the Maldives amid rising measles cases, reinforcing “Neighbourhood First” support. International Rights Monitoring: The UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture is set to revisit Sri Lanka from 15–24 June to assess detention safeguards and implementation of earlier recommendations.

Health Diplomacy: India has sent 20,000 MR measles vaccine doses and about 3 tonnes of medical supplies to the Maldives after rising measles cases, with the handover held at the Maldives Ministry of Health and officials citing “Neighbourhood First” cooperation. Human Rights Oversight: The UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture will return to Sri Lanka from 15–24 June to check detention safeguards and how Sri Lanka’s national preventive mechanism is functioning, with the delegation led by Maldives official Aisha Shujune Muhammad. Tourism & Governance: Visit Maldives Corporation says it logged its strongest financial performance in eight years, reporting MVR 32.54 million in self-generated income in 2025 and highlighting 2 million+ tourist arrivals and USD 5.57bn in receipts. Community Engagement: Ooredoo Maldives is hosting “Ooredoo Football Foari” at Hulhumalé Central Park for children and families ahead of the World Cup, with games and interactive activities. Education Milestone: The UK’s General Medical Council has officially recognized the Maldives National University MBBS programme, opening a clearer licensing pathway for graduates seeking to work in the UK.

Health Diplomacy: India delivered 20,000 measles vaccine doses and about three tonnes of medical supplies to the Maldives as cases rise, with officials calling it timely “first responder” support. Public Finance: Maldives Inland Revenue Authority says May revenue missed expectations, down 5.8% year-on-year, blaming weaker tourist arrivals and lower GST, tourism land rent and quota fees. Governance & Integrity: Police opened an investigation into former Immigration Controller General Mohamed Shamaan Waheed after corruption and money-laundering claims, detailing alleged awareness of an operation and a reported MVR 500,000 payment demand. Bilateral Ties: Maldives and Japan reaffirmed cooperation ahead of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, highlighting climate resilience, infrastructure, education and people-to-people links. Security & Service: Maldives Police posthumously promoted officer Ahmed Asif after he died during a maritime operation; an investigation remains ongoing. Tourism Outlook: Visit Maldives reported its strongest financial performance in eight years, citing record 2025 income and over 2 million arrivals. Community & Sports: Ooredoo held a kids’ football event at Hulhumalé Central Park, while police and sports coverage also marked recent regional handball wins.

Public Health & Diplomacy: India sent 20,000 measles vaccine doses and about three tonnes of medical supplies to support Maldives’ immunisation drive as confirmed measles cases rise to 15, with HPA urging masks, isolation for suspected cases, and prompt medical help. Government Revenue: Maldives Inland Revenue Authority says May collections fell short, down 5.8% year-on-year to USD 132.99m, blaming weaker tourist arrivals linked to Middle East disruptions; enforcement and recovery helped offset some losses. Law & Order: Police posthumously promoted Senior Sergeant Ahmed Asif after he died during a maritime operation; an investigation into the circumstances remains ongoing. Anti-Corruption Probe: Police also detailed its investigation into former Immigration Controller General Mohamed Shamaan Waheed, responding to corruption and money-laundering claims and describing alleged steps taken around a March 2025 immigration operation. Bilateral Ties: Maldives and Japan reaffirmed cooperation ahead of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, with focus on HR, infrastructure, education, climate resilience, disaster management, tourism and people-to-people links. Tourism Governance: Visit Maldives reported its strongest financial performance in eight years at its AGM, citing record income and continued destination marketing. Regional Spotlight: Maldives hosted the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association small branches workshop, with Deputy Speaker Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden and Parliamentary Secretary Julie Hunter discussing oversight, legislative independence and public engagement.

Public Health & Aid: India sent 20,000 measles vaccine doses and about three tonnes of medical supplies to support Maldives immunisation as confirmed measles cases rise to 15, with health authorities urging masks, isolation for suspected cases, and quick medical help. Law & Order: Maldives Police posthumously promoted Senior Sergeant Ahmed Asif to Sub-Inspector after he died during a maritime operation; police say an investigation is ongoing. Immigration Probe: Police responded to claims by former Immigration Controller Mohamed Shamaan Waheed, saying their probe found alleged corruption, abuse of power and money laundering tied to an immigration operation in March 2025, including a reported MVR 500,000 payment discussion. Government Revenue: MIRA reported May revenue fell to USD 132.99m (down 5.8%) as lower tourist arrivals hit GST, tourism land rent and migrant quota fees, with enforcement and recovery adding USD 24.78m. Diplomacy: Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef met Japan’s ambassador to reaffirm cooperation ahead of the 60th anniversary of Maldives-Japan diplomatic ties. Regional Spotlight: Pakistan won the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament final in Malé, beating Afghanistan 2-0, with the match highlighting Maldives’ role as host.

Maldives-India Diplomacy: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu congratulated Indian PM Narendra Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected leader, saying the Maldives will keep strengthening cooperation with India on mutual respect and shared interests. Regional Politics & Messaging: The milestone also drew global greetings, including from EU leaders and neighbours like Bhutan and Sri Lanka, while Modi publicly thanked US President Donald Trump and looked to deepen the India-US strategic partnership. Sports Diplomacy in Malé: Pakistan won the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in Malé, beating Afghanistan 2-0 to end a 74-year wait for an international title; PM Shehbaz Sharif and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar congratulated the team. Tourism Governance: Visit Maldives Corporation and CROSSROADS Maldives signed the host property agreement for the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean 2026, setting preparations in motion for a major regional industry event. Public Safety: Maldives Customs seized MVR 6 million worth of hashish oil at Velana International Airport, adding to recent drug-smuggling crackdowns. Trade & Environment (South Asia): A South Asia EPR and plastic credit training programme in Kathmandu included Maldives officials and focused on circular economy frameworks across the region.

Diplomacy & Foreign Relations: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu received new non-resident ambassadors from the Netherlands and France, with talks covering infrastructure, climate resilience, investment, tourism, maritime cooperation and marine conservation. Tourism Governance: Visit Maldives Corporation reported its strongest financial performance in eight years at its 9 June AGM, citing tourism growth and expanded international destination marketing. International Spotlight: Maldives President Muizzu joined world leaders in congratulating India’s PM Narendra Modi on becoming the longest continuously serving elected premier, as global leaders praised his governance and partnerships. Sports & Regional Ties: Pakistan beat Afghanistan 2-0 to win the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in Malé, while Maldives is set to face Afghanistan again in a four-nation tournament final. Media & Accountability: The Maldives Independent relaunched from Minivan News, outlining plans to rebuild funding and investigative capacity.

Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu received new non-resident ambassadors from the Netherlands and France, and also welcomed the Philippines’ ambassador—each accreditation ceremony included talks on infrastructure, climate resilience, tourism, maritime cooperation and regional security. Tourism Governance: Visit Maldives Corporation reported its strongest finances in eight years at its 9 June AGM, with 2025 self-generated income rising to MVR 32.54 million and tourism receipts topping USD 5.57 billion as arrivals passed two million. Media & Accountability: Minivan News relaunched as the Maldives Independent, pitching investigative journalism and a membership model to rebuild in a shrinking independent media space. Environment & Ocean Policy: Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam said ocean research and marine resource mapping are central to economic diversification and sustainability, warning that climate change is already hitting fish stocks. Sports (Regional): Maldives is set to compete in the IHF Trophy handball tournament in Dhaka, with Under-20 and Under-18 teams facing India, Nepal and other regional sides.

Diplomacy: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu received new non-resident ambassadors from the Netherlands (Wiebe Jakob de Boer), France (Rémi Lambert) and the Philippines (Nina P. Cainglet), with talks ranging from infrastructure and climate resilience to tourism, maritime cooperation and regional security. Finance & policy: Hassan Zareer was appointed Maldives Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises after Moosa Zameer’s resignation, as the government also pushes ocean research and marine resource protection for economic diversification. Tourism governance: Visit Maldives reported its strongest financial performance in eight years at its AGM, citing tourism growth, stronger governance and expanded international marketing. Public-interest media: The Maldives Independent relaunched Minivan News, betting on investigative journalism and rebuilding funding through memberships. International links: Maldives-based Beond’s Moscow route remains undecided on technical stop locations ahead of a winter 2026/27 launch. Sports & youth: Handball’s IHF Trophy begins in Dhaka with Maldives among the teams, while Pakistan’s men’s football team reached a senior final after beating Afghanistan 2-0 in the Maldives tournament. Environment & compliance: Maldives highlights IMUGA Traveller Declaration rules for arrivals, while ocean-focused initiatives and World Oceans Day messaging continue to feature in government communications.

Finance & Appointments: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has appointed Hassan Zareer as the new Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises after Moosa Zameer’s resignation for health reasons, with Zareer taking the oath and bringing long experience in taxation, auditing and compliance. Ocean Economy: Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam says ocean research and marine resource identification are central to diversifying the economy and protecting livelihoods, pointing to climate impacts on fish stocks and moves to boost value addition and aquaculture. Banking Stability: Fitch assigned Bank of Maldives ratings of ‘CCC-’ (stable outlook) and ‘CCC+’ locally, citing the bank’s resilience and strong market position while noting the sovereign rating ceiling. Environment Funding: The President allocated MVR 7 million annually for environmental protection, as Maldives continues to push sustainability priorities. Tourism Outreach: Maldives promoted its tourism resources and luxury resorts to Chinese travellers in Beijing, aiming to deepen travel ties and capture more outbound demand. Sports (Regional): Pakistan beat Afghanistan 2-0 in the Maldives-hosted Diamond Jubilee tournament, booking the final—while the Maldives’ own campaign continues to draw attention. Aviation/Connectivity: Maldivian Air launched its inaugural Melbourne–Malé flight, highlighting growing international links.

Finance Shake-up: President Muizzu appoints Hassan Zareer as Finance Minister and Public Enterprises Minister after Moosa Zameer’s resignation, with Zareer taking the oath and stepping in with long experience in taxation and finance. Ocean-Led Diversification: Fisheries and Ocean Resources Minister Ahmed Shiyam says ocean research and marine resource mapping are central to diversifying the economy and protecting livelihoods as climate pressures hit fish stocks. IMF Cooperation: Maldives Finance Minister meets IMF Executive Director Dr Mohammed bin Ahmed Maait in Muscat to discuss stronger technical assistance, capacity building, and financial cooperation. Banking Watch: Fitch assigns Bank of Maldives ratings (CCC-/CCC+) citing resilience and market strength, while noting the sovereign rating ceiling. Food Safety Push: President Muizzu calls for stronger food safety systems, pointing to new regulations under the Food Safety Act and tighter border controls. Environment Funding: Muizzu announces an extra $454,000 annually from the Maldives Green Fund for environmental protection and conservation. Sports Spotlight (Maldives-hosted): Pakistan beat Afghanistan 2-0 to reach the Diamond Jubilee final, after earlier success against hosts Maldives. Tourism & Skills: Marriott Maldives graduates 40 apprentices from its apprenticeship programme, while multiple resort stories highlight wellness-led luxury positioning.

UN Food Shock: UN agencies warn the Strait of Hormuz disruption is turning a Middle East geopolitical crisis into a wider food security emergency, with hunger rising in Somalia and Afghanistan as energy costs strain aid and clinics. Maldives Food Safety Push: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu marks World Food Safety Day calling for stronger, data-driven food safety systems and faster action under the Food Safety Act, including border controls and tougher hygiene standards. Green Fund Funding: Muizzu announces extra annual allocations from the Maldives Green Fund—MVR 7 million and an additional $454,000—earmarked for protected areas, wildlife, research, awareness, and capacity building. Diplomatic Win: The Maldives secures its first-ever seat on the UN ECOSOC for 2027–2029, with officials framing it as leverage for climate and development priorities. Hospitality & Tourism Sector: STORY Hospitality joins GHA Discovery, while Marriott Maldives graduates 40 apprentices from its apprenticeship programme; separate updates also highlight new leadership and marketing roles in Maldivian resorts. Sports (Maldives-linked): Pakistan books the Diamond Jubilee tournament final in the Maldives after beating Afghanistan 2-0, while Maldives tournament fixtures continue. Youth & Education: Maldivian students sweep top prizes in an international mathematics storytelling competition, winning across all age categories. Social Media Controls: The President announces plans to restrict social media access for children under 16 within the next year.

UN Diplomacy: The Maldives won its first-ever seat on the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for 2027–2029, securing 183 votes and positioning the country to push climate and development priorities. Environment Funding: President Muizzu announced an additional US$454,000 annually from the Maldives Green Fund (and separately MVR 7 million) for protected areas, wildlife, research, public awareness, and capacity-building. Food Safety: The President marked World Food Safety Day by calling for stronger, data-driven food safety systems and new regulations under the Food Safety Act. Sports—Football: Pakistan beat Afghanistan 2–0 in the Maldives International Tournament, while Pakistan also routed Maldives 3–0, ending a long wait for international wins; Pakistan then booked the final berth. Sports—Cricket: The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 kicks off June 12 in England and Wales with a record 12 teams. Education: Maldivian students swept first place across all age categories in an international math storytelling competition. Tourism & Training: Marriott Maldives graduated 40 apprentices from its 2026 cohort, expanding local hospitality skills.

Environment Funding: President Muizzu announced an additional USD 454,000 annually from the Maldives Green Fund for environmental protection, conservation, protected areas, wildlife, research, public awareness, and school/civil society projects. UN Diplomacy: The Maldives won its first-ever seat on the UN ECOSOC for 2027–2029, securing 183 votes and positioning the country to push climate and development priorities for small island states. Sports—Football: Afghanistan face Pakistan today in the Maldives International Four-Nation Tournament, with the Maldives having already been beaten by Afghanistan in the opener. Finance—Ratings Debate: Government spokesperson Mundhu said Fitch’s upgrade from CC to CCC- reflects fiscal reforms, but warned international lenders remain focused on past money printing and debt concerns. Health Diplomacy: Health Minister Geela met India’s High Commissioner to discuss deeper Maldives–India cooperation in healthcare, training, and social development. Education Win: Maldivian students swept top prizes in an international mathematics storytelling competition, taking first place across all age categories. Sports—Cricket Development: BCCI agreed to support cricket development in Fiji and the Maldives with coaching and other help.

UN Diplomacy: The Maldives won its first-ever seat on the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for 2027–2029, securing 183 votes and a platform to push climate and development priorities for small island states. World Environment Day: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced MVR 7 million annually from the Maldives Green Fund for environmental protection, including protected areas, wildlife conservation, research, awareness, and school/civil society projects. Health & Cooperation: Health Minister Geela Ali met India’s High Commissioner G. Balasubramanian to deepen Maldives–India ties in healthcare, family welfare, capacity building, and social development. Education Spotlight: Maldivian students swept top prizes in all age categories at the 2026 Young Mathematical Story Authors competition, winning first place across 34 countries. Sports (Regional): Pakistan beat Maldives 3-0 in the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament, ending a 961-day wait for an international win. Regional Sports (Cricket): The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 kicks off June 12 in England and Wales with a record 12-team field.