Muizzu invites Burnham for talks over Chagos

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday (September 8, 2026) invited British Prime Minister Andrew Burnham for talks on the disputed Chagos Islands.

In a letter to the British Prime Minister, President Muizzu “expressed the Maldives’ considerations relating to the UK’s resolution to proceed with the handover of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius”, his workplace stated in an announcement.

In Might 2025, Britain signed an settlement with Mauritius to switch sovereignty over the contested and strategically situated Chagos Islands, saying the transfer would guarantee the way forward for a U.S.-U.Okay. army base very important to British safety. U.S. President Donald Trump criticised the settlement, calling it “a giant mistake”. In April this yr, nonetheless, the British authorities placed on maintain its deal to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands — dwelling to the ‌U.S.-British Diego Garcia air base — and shelved the laws wanted for the transfer.

For the reason that starting of this yr, the Maldives has voiced opposition to the UK’s resolution to cede sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago (Foalhavahi) to Mauritius, with President Muizzu sustaining that the Maldives holds “essentially the most authentic declare” to the archipelago primarily based on historic ties between the Maldives and Chagos.

In his letter, Mr. Muizzu highlighted the “shared historical past and cultural ties” between the Indian Ocean archipelago, in addition to the Maldives’s “longstanding help for main marine conservation and scientific analysis expeditions within the area.” He “reaffirmed” the Maldives’s dedication” to sustaining a dependable and constructive partnership with the UK on issues referring to Chagos, whereas safeguarding the authentic pursuits of the Maldivian state and its individuals, his workplace stated.

Mr. Muizzu “expressed hope that renewed engagement and partnership” between the 2 nations would contribute to stability and safety within the Indian Ocean, “notably at a time of accelerating world uncertainty”, his workplace additional stated.