New office formed to oversee maritime boundaries

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday established the Maldives Territorial Office, as outlined in this year’s Presidential Address.

The office has been set up as a department within the President’s Office to oversee matters related to the country’s maritime boundaries.

In his address at the opening of the People’s Majlis, the President said experts had advised the establishment of an office to manage issues concerning boundary determination. He stated that the government would create an agency for this purpose.

According to the President’s Office, the Maldives Territorial Office will coordinate with government agencies and international bodies on matters related to territorial boundaries. It will also determine the coordinates of baselines and boundary limits and provide information on maps and legal instruments.

Administrative arrangements are underway, including the recruitment of staff.

In the Presidential Address, the President also referred to decisions taken by the previous administration regarding the Chagos Archipelago. He said a commission would be formed to examine those decisions and determine responsibility.