“Maldives is a small nation but a great country in supporting the Palestinian cause”

Although a small nation, Maldives has always been a great country in supporting the Palestinian cause, says Walid Abu Ali, Non-Resident Ambassador of Palestine to the Maldives.

The ambassador made these remarks during a virtual ceremony held on Friday afternoon to officially hand over the funds collected through the 34-hour “Maldives with Palestine” telethon to assist the people of Palestine devastated by the violent attacks targeted by the nation-state of Israel.

RaajjeTV’s Managing Director Ahmed Saleem presented the cheque, totaling USD 104,749.65 to the ambassador, who noted that he is honored to have been serving as non-resident ambassador to Maldives since 2018. He expressed delight in having presented his credentials to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih during his very first visit to the island nation in 2018, and having witnessed the celebration ensuing Solih’s presidential election victory.

Highlighting the significance of the day, Ambassador Ali noted that Maldives is in the hearts of all Palestinians, especially given the long history between both countries. As such, he noted that Yasser Arafat, former Palestinian leader, had visited Maldives several times and invested in the small island nation.

He went on to reveal that despite being a small nation, Maldives has always been a great country in supporting the Palestinian cause and expressed high appreciation and gratitude for the support and solidarity RaajjeTV, the government and people of Maldives have shown the Palestinian people as well as the message and principles shared with Palestine, Gaza and Al Quddus.

Ambassador Ali noted that RaajjeTV’s initiative of raising funds to help Maldives’ brothers and sisters in Palestine, is highly appreciated and expressed personal gratitude to RaajjeTV, its team and the people who contributed to show their support and solidarity to Palestine.

The ambassador went on to promise that the funds will end up in the hands of those who need it, to rebuild destroyed Gaza.

Noting that Israelis themselves, know that Palestinians will continue to find their freedom despite struggles, Ambassador Ali said that the country will continue its efforts until a comprehensive peace to live side-by-side to enjoy peace like any other nation, is reached.

He noted that Palestinians have been struggling for the past seven decades and that they will continue to struggle to achieve their much-deserved independence and freedom.

Highlighting that Palestinians will remain and continue their struggle, Ambassador Ali stressed that there will be no Palestine without Al Quddus and Jerusalem and without an independent state of Palestine, there will never be peace and stability in the middle east.

The war that wreaked havoc across Gaza could actually be deemed beneficial for Palestine in a way, as it united all Palestinians, all Arabs and the entire Muslim nation, Ambassador Ali went on to shed light on.

Also speaking at the virtual event, RaajjeTV’s Managing Director and MP Saleem, noted that Maldives is always with Palestine, and to “stay on your course”.