The Governments of Australia and the Maldives held the second round of Senior Officials Talks on 3 November 2025 in Canberra, centering discussions on regional security, climate action, and strengthening democratic governance.

The talks were co-chaired by Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Dr Hala Hameed, Secretary of the Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Senior officials from both governments participated in the discussions, held alongside Defence Policy Talks at Australia’s Department of Defence earlier the same day.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indian Ocean region, emphasising cooperation in security, economic resilience, governance, and respect for international law and rules-based norms.

The dialogue also highlighted ongoing collaboration in addressing climate change, with Australia supporting the Maldives through the UN Development Program, the Blue Carbon Hub, and the gifting of a Guardian-class Patrol Boat to strengthen the Maldives’ maritime security.

Education and capacity building were also key points of discussion, with both sides recognising the long-standing partnership through which nearly 750 Maldivians have received Australian scholarships over the past six decades.