Maldives to Resume Relations with Iran Following Saudi Arabia

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Maldives announced that the government has decided to resume diplomatic relations with Iran. The ministry stated in a statement on Monday that the Maldives government welcomes the trilateral joint announcement by Saudi Arabia, Iran, and China regarding an agreement reached between Saudi Arabia and Iran to restore diplomatic relations. It added, "In light of these positive and encouraging developments, the Government of Maldives has decided to resume diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran." It is noteworthy that the Maldives severed political relations with Iran on May 17, 2016.