Germany

Muizzu Leaves for Germany on Five-Day Official Visit

President Mohamed Muizzu left for Germany on Sunday for a five-day official visit from 9 to 13 February 2026 at the invitation of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. He will hold official talks, attend a business forum, and visit Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Steinmeier will speak on climate change adaptation and address the German Council on Foreign Relations on Maldives' ocean foreign policy. The visit marks 60 years of diplomatic relations, established on 5 July 1966.

Opposition Leader Fayyaz Heads to India, Germany to Discuss Maldives’ Politics

Fayyaz Ismail, chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and opposition leader, has departed for India and Germany to brief non-governmental organizations on the political situation in the Maldives. The trip was announced by the MDP on Saturday. In June, Ismail attended the annual conference of the Liberal Party in London, an affiliate of the International Democratic Union. The MDP leadership has been actively engaging international stakeholders to raise awareness about the country's political climate.

Biden Slams ICC Prosecutor’s Application for Arrest Warrants Against Israeli Officials as Outrageous

US President Joe Biden condemned ICC prosecutor Karim Khan's application for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders (Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, Ismail Haniyeh). Biden called the move outrageous, accusing the ICC of false equivalence between Israel and Hamas. Germany agreed, while South Africa welcomed the decision. Biden reiterated US support for Israel, referencing the war in Gaza where over 35,000 Palestinians have been killed. The article also notes separate ICJ genocide case by South Africa.

Samha Ahmed Sets New Women’s 5000-Metre National Record

Maldivian athlete Samha Ahmed, 42, broke the women's 5000-metre national record twice in one month. On 18 April, she ran 19 minutes and 42.45 seconds at the Grefrath Railway Open in Germany, setting a new record. Two weeks later, on 2 May, she improved her time to 19:41.86 at the Long Distance Championship in Wassenberg, Germany, also securing third place in the over-40 age group. Ahmed had previously broken the marathon and half-marathon records in 2023. Her 10,000-metre time of 40:18.49 in a mixed event was not officially recognized due to the mixed-gender nature.

Maldives Pursues Opportunity to Host ITB Berlin 2026

Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal announced Maldives' intention to host ITB Berlin in 2026 to boost its global tourism profile. The Maldives participated in ITB Berlin 2024 with 107 co-exhibitors, represented by MMPRC and the tourism ministry. Faisal expressed optimism based on Maldives being named 'World's Leading Destination' for the fourth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards. The selection process for host nation involves expressing interest, logistical discussions, and demonstrating capability. MMPRC will engage stakeholders for preparations. Faisal noted substantial financial implications but remained optimistic about collective efforts.

Protests Sweep Germany in Opposition to AfD’s Mass Deportation Plans