President Muizzu Offers Maldives as Mediator to Revive Stalled SAARC Regional Cooperation

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has called for the resolution of regional disputes through peaceful dialogue, expressing the Maldives' readiness to act as a mediator to revive the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Speaking on PSM’s Nation Chat podcast, the President emphasized that SAARC remains a vital platform for rebuilding friendship and cooperation among South Asian nations. He highlighted the government's current diplomatic efforts to strengthen regional ties, noting that the organization's potential is being wasted due to prolonged inactivity. President Muizzu pointed to a concerning gap in regional leadership, noting that a SAARC summit has not been convened for over a decade. He reiterated his commitment to fostering an environment where member states can prioritize peace and stability over political friction, urging countries to return to the negotiating table. During the discussion, the President acknowledged the historical contributions of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom, who played a pivotal role in establishing and strengthening SAARC cooperation during the 1980s. By referencing this legacy, the President framed the current push for revival as a continuation of the Maldives' long-standing commitment to regional harmony. SAARC consists of eight member states: the Maldives, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan. While the organization was designed to foster economic and political integration, it has struggled with internal volatility. The last successful summit took place in 2014, and a subsequent gathering planned for 2016 was cancelled due to escalating tensions between member countries. President Muizzu concluded that the collective stability of the region depends on the ability of these eight nations to work together. The Maldives hopes to collaborate with fellow member states to organize a new summit in the near future, signaling a shift toward proactive diplomacy in the South Asian region.