By Ahmed Shiaan, Ambassador of the Republic of Maldives to EU and Belgium, and High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
Ask Europeans which country they believe is most emblematic of a South Asian paradise and many will say “Maldives”. But ask many Maldivians which country they most associate with the EU – and they will say the UK – the European nation with which we hold the strongest historical links.
Britain’s decision to leave the European Union therefore has profound implications for my country of over 1,000 islands but only 350,000 people. We must now work to renew long-standing links to the UK that have become less direct through that country’s EU membership; and we must develop deeper connections with those EU institutions that are growing in power to direct foreign and development policies for its remaining 27 member states.
There will be challenges, yet many of us in the Maldives believe that Brexit holds benefits for our future relations with both Britain and the EU.
For Britain, EU exit provides the opportunity to revive involvement in other organisations such as the Commonwealth of Nations – of which the Maldives is a member. Many Maldivians have come to believe that in recent years as Britain sought to focus its foreign policy and diplomatic influence primarily through the EU, the Commonwealth has been neglected.
Brexit also provides the opportunity to rebuild more direct Maldivian-British relations. We hope that, and will push for, the UK to re-establish the diplomatic representation in the Maldives that was previously withdrawn – despite some 60,000 Britons visiting our islands last year alone. After the UK regains the power to directly negotiate trade agreements – a capability that currently rests with the EU – enhanced economic relations, perhaps through a bilateral free trade deal would also become possible.
Yet Britain’s exit will leave the Maldives without the European country we know best at the heart of Europe, and conversely, the European country which perhaps knows Maldives best. Organisations of increasing importance, such as the EU External Action Service, may no longer retain Britain’s knowledge in the provision of foreign policy and development spending that suits the needs of small states like ours. Without the UK the Maldives will need to redouble efforts to build relations and understanding directly with EU institutions, which at times is challenging given the complex and vast machinery that determines EU relations and processes. At the same time, the EU needs to listen more closely to small and medium sized countries, and treat them as partners instead of mere bystanders, especially in important global policy areas such as climate change.
Once the EU no longer includes Britain there is the opportunity to deepen relations with the Maldives without reliance on and over-influence by the UK, or for the EU to act as a conduit for delivering Britain’s foreign policy agenda. There is the chance for the EU to engage far more directly: for example, regarding development, trade, education and environmental policies, making them considerably more beneficial to individual EU member states than can be the case when Britain’s interests have taken the lead. Indeed, Brexit could mean greater political integration within the EU, and more cohesive and coherent external representation in institutions and on external policy.
The Maldives has always and will continue to consider the European Union an important international partner. We greatly value the assistance and support we receive from the EU and also the strong bilateral links we have with its member states. We are hopeful that together we will be able to overcome the challenges that we face and the Maldives and the EU will be able to collaborate on several key areas including strengthening of state institutions, Climate Change/ the Environment and countering terrorism.
So while many appear to approach Brexit with trepidation, we believe – that with commitment from both sides – Britain’s decision to leave the EU can provide real benefits for the Maldives, the UK – and Europe.
