The Maldives and Thailand have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the field of sports, focusing on personnel development, youth training and facility improvement.

The MoU was signed on behalf of the Maldives by Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu, while Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Artthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, signed on behalf of the Thai Government. The ceremony was attended by Maldivian Ambassador to Thailand Fuad Thaufeeq and a Maldivian delegation, alongside senior officials from Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Physical Education, Sports Authority of Thailand, and National Sports University.

The agreement aims to strengthen sports personnel development, expand youth training programmes, and improve sports facility development in the Maldives. Thailand will provide technical expertise and institutional support through its national sports bodies, offering training opportunities, knowledge sharing, and capacity-building initiatives that will benefit Maldivian athletes, coaches and sports administrators.

During the ceremony, delegations from both countries discussed avenues for deepening bilateral cooperation, including exchange programmes, skills development, and collaboration between sports institutions. Thai officials noted that upcoming regional sporting events such as the 33rd SEA Games and 13th ASEAN Para Games reflect Thailand’s commitment to strengthening international sporting ties.