MDP: German honorary consulate closure shows government neglect of Maldives' long-standing ties

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has expressed concern over the temporary closure of Germany's honorary consulate in Malé, calling it a setback to relations between the Maldives and Germany and accusing the government of neglecting the country's long-standing foreign relations. Germany's Federal Foreign Office said the honorary consulate office will remain closed until further notice. During this period, people needing assistance in emergency situations must contact the German Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka. In a statement, the MDP said closing the diplomatic office was deeply regrettable and described it as a setback to Maldives-Germany relations. It noted that Germany is an important partner in the Maldives' development, both within the European Union and in the bilateral relationship between the two countries. The MDP said Germany is one of the Maldives' most important tourism markets and warned that the closure of the consulate would affect the services received by tourists. According to Ministry of Tourism statistics, Germany was the country from which the fourth-highest number of tourists arrived in the Maldives last year. The party said large numbers of German tourists choose the Maldives with confidence that consular assistance will be easily available, and that the closure could cause tourists to lose that confidence. It also noted Germany's assistance in the Maldives' work to safeguard against climate change and transition to renewable energy. The MDP said it regretted that the government had not taken adequate steps to prevent the closure of the consulate. The party alleged that this is evidence the government is neglecting relations the Maldives established with foreign countries long ago, and called for consular services in Malé to resume as soon as possible. Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Germany were established on 15 July 1966. Germany was the sixth country with which the Maldives established diplomatic relations after gaining independence. During the past roughly ten years, Germany has been an important development partner of the Maldives. The MDP said Germany has played an important role in efforts to advance democracy and human rights in the Maldives. It also said there has been no change in the support Germany has been giving to Maldivians who support democracy and the rule of law and to the MDP. Official Maldivian government sources have not yet said anything regarding the closure of the consulate.