A ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday to mark the official handover of the chairs used during the Signing of the Maldives’ Independence Agreement on 26 July 1965.

The historic artefacts were formally handed over by the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to the Maldives, Nicholas David Low, and received on behalf of the Maldivian Government by Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel. Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage Adam Naseer Ibrahim was also in attendance.

The chairs, used during the signing ceremony that marked the Maldives’ transition to full sovereignty, have been returned as part of ongoing cultural cooperation between the Maldives and the United Kingdom.

Speaking at the event, Minister Dr Khaleel underscored the significance of the items, noting that they symbolise a defining moment in the nation’s modern history and represent the foundations of Maldivian statehood. He extended the Government’s gratitude to the United Kingdom for facilitating the return of the artefacts.

High Commissioner Low reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and highlighted the value of shared history in deepening cooperation between the two countries.

Senior officials from the Foreign Ministry and staff of the British High Commission were present at the ceremony.