The Maldivian government has announced its decision to resume diplomatic relations with Iran, following an agreement reached between Saudi Arabia and Iran to restore diplomatic ties and reopen embassies and missions.
The Maldivian Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing its welcome for the agreement, which was reached after discussions mediated by China. The Ministry also announced the Maldives’ decision to resume diplomatic ties with Iran, citing the positive developments.
The statement also mentioned the Joint Trilateral Statement issued by Saudi Arabia, Iran, and China, which includes an agreement to resume diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and the affirmation of respect for the sovereignty of states and non-interference in their internal affairs.
Tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran began in 2016 when Saudi Arabia executed Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr, which sparked protests in Iran and the burning of the Saudi embassy in Tehran. As a result, several countries, including Bahrain and Sudan, severed diplomatic ties with Iran. The Maldives also cut off diplomatic ties with Iran during this time, which was the first time the country had initiated such an action after establishing relations with another country.
