Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid, has called for unity and the rejection of hate.

Minister Shahid made the remarks at the 49th Council of Ministers Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation being held in Nouakchott, Mauritania.

In his remarks, Minister Shahid offered condolences to the people of Türkiye and Syria on behalf of the Maldivian people following the devastating earthquake that has affected both countries. He called on the international community to accelerate relief efforts and assistance.

He also noted that hateful acts such as the recent acts of burning and desecration of the Noble Quran will only strengthen the Islamic Ummah’s resolve against hate and extremism. He further called on the OIC to recognize the threat of climate change as one that requires urgent action.

Expressing solidarity with Muslims across the world, Minister Shahid also reaffirmed Maldives’ strong commitment to the Palestinian people, in securing their inalienable right to statehood. He reiterated Maldives’ call for the establishment of a sovereign and independent State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also called for support and solidarity with the Rohingya Muslims in their struggle to live a life dignity that is free of fear.