The Government of the Maldives has welcomed the United Kingdom’s decision to pause the planned handover of the Chagos Archipelago (Foalhavahi) to Mauritius. In its statement, the Maldives underscored its legitimate interest in the future status and governance of the archipelago and described the pause as an opportunity to renew negotiations with the United Kingdom. The Government reiterated the need for a fair and equitable outcome that respects the rights of the Maldives, su