The Maldives and Australia have formalised a new agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation in maritime safety and security matters.

The memorandum of understanding was signed during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence and National Service, with Minister Hassan Rasheed signing on behalf of the Maldives and Rear Admiral Brett Sonter representing the Australian Border Force Command.

The agreement outlines cooperation between the two countries in areas including maritime monitoring, joint capacity-building programmes and the sharing of operational knowledge and expertise. According to the ministry, the arrangement is intended to strengthen coordination in responding to challenges faced within Maldivian waters and the wider maritime domain.

Officials from the Maldives National Defence Force attended the signing ceremony alongside Australian Ambassador to the Maldives David Jessup.

Australia has continued to support the Maldives in the defence and security sector through various initiatives, including the recent provision of a Guardian-class patrol vessel to assist ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime surveillance and regional security cooperation.