Numerous ambassadors accepted the invitation, and many members of the Maldivian community in Germany were also warmly welcomed by the Ambassador.

President of the Maldives
At the centre of attention was H.E. Dr Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Maldives, who had earlier been received by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The guest of honour was H.E. Dr Joachim Bertele of the Federal Foreign Office, who conveyed congratulations from Foreign Minister Wadepuhl.

60 Years of Diplomatic Relations
Ambassador H.E. Aishath Shaan Shakir paid tribute to the “enduring and respectful partnership that has developed between our two countries over the past six decades”. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1966, cooperation had steadily deepened, founded on mutual respect, dialogue and a shared commitment to international engagement.

The Maldives as a Holiday Paradise
The Ambassador remarked that she was repeatedly struck by how many Germans had travelled to the Maldives, valuing its warm hospitality, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. “It fills me with great humility to witness such a deep bond between two countries that are geographically so far apart.” The successful integration of the Maldivian diaspora in Germany was likewise a clear sign of the close ties between the two peoples.60 Years of Diplomatic Relations
 

Cooperation
Germany is a valued partner for the Maldives in development cooperation and multilateral engagement. Collaboration spans trade and investment, education, environmental protection, climate adaptation and renewable energy. Generous bilateral support has made it possible to implement national development priorities that have significantly strengthened the Maldives’ economic resilience. “Germany’s active role in international climate policy, together with its support for global adaptation measures, complements our own priorities in an ideal manner,” the Ambassador said.

Climate Change
For the Maldives, climate change is not a distant theoretical issue but an existential threat. The low-lying island nation experiences its consequences in everyday life.

Thanks to Partners
The official visit to Germany at the invitation of Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier underlined the great importance of the Maldivian–German partnership and the desire to reinvigorate it. The official talks between President Dr Muizzu and Federal President Steinmeier that afternoon demonstrated that this is a shared priority. The Ambassador concluded her address by thanking partners in Germany, the diplomatic community, “and all those who, often quietly and with great constancy over many years, have contributed to strengthening relations between the Maldives and Germany”.

Joachim Bertele, Federal Foreign Office
In his address, H.E. Dr Joachim Bertele spoke of shared values and convictions and reaffirmed the necessity of climate-responsible economic practices. The Maldives are particularly exposed to the threats of climate change, with 80 per cent of its territory lying less than one metre above sea level. He expressed his gratitude for the invitation to the anniversary celebrations and addressed the President of the Maldives: “We greatly appreciate your continued commitment, at this critical juncture in global politics, to maintaining active dialogue with Germany and Europe.”