Commonwealth leaders say sinking nations should keep their maritime boundaries

APIA, SAMOA - OCTOBER 25: King Charles III poses with new Heads of Government from across the Commonwealth at the New Heads of Government Reception at Taumeasina Island Resort on October 25, 2024 in Apia, Samoa. The King's visit to Australia is his first as monarch, and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa will be his first as head of the Commonwealth. Chris Jackson/Pool via REUTERS

(Reuters) - In a boost for Pacific Islands such as Tuvalu under threat from rising seas, Commonwealth nations agreed on Saturday that a nation's maritime boundaries should remain fixed even if climate change causes small island states to be submerged.

The 56 countries with roots in Britain's empire issued the Commonwealth's first Ocean Declaration at the end of a summit of the group in Samoa.