MDP: German consulate closure reflects wider neglect of Maldives’ ties with longstanding partners

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Wednesday slammed the Maldivian government for failure to “do more” to prevent the closure of the German honorary consulate in Male’, warning that it reflects a wider neglect of the relationships the Maldives has built with its longstanding partners.

On October 2, the German government announced that the office of the honorary consul had to be closed until further notice, and directed people to contact the embassy in Colombo in cases of emergency.

In a statement on Wednesday afternoon, the MDP said it was deeply saddened and concerned to learn of the closure of the German honorary consulate.

The party said that Germany has been one of the Maldives’ most valued development partners for more than six decades, both bilaterally and through its leadership within the European Union, supporting progress made across many areas, including climate change adaptation and the transition to renewable energy.

The MDP said that Germany also stood with the Maldives throughout its struggle for democracy, and has remained a steadfast friend through the years in which Maldivians have worked to consolidate it.

“Its support for those in the Maldives who believe in democracy, human rights and the rule of law has never wavered, nor has its friendship with the MDP,” said the party.

The MDP noted that Germany is also a key source market for tourist arrivals to the Maldives.

“German visitors choose the Maldives in large numbers, and they do so with the assurance that consular assistance is close at hand. The closure of the Honorary Consulate removes that assurance in a market where visitor confidence matters a great deal,” said the party.

The MDP stressed that the honorary consulate had been an important link between the two countries, and blamed the Maldivian government for failure to prevent its closure.

“The MDP regrets that the Government did not do more to prevent its closure, which reflects a wider neglect of the relationships the Maldives has built with its longstanding partners,” said the MDP.

The MDP said it hopes that consular services can be restored in Male’ at the earliest opportunity, and remains firmly committed to the friendship and partnership between the Maldives and Germany.

The Maldives government has yet to issue an official comment regarding the closure of the consulate.