Three ministers appointed in two years; Maldives' foreign policy has failed: Ameeth

Former Member of Parliament for the Maduvvari constituency, Mohamed Ameeth, has stated that the Maldives' foreign policy has failed, noting that three different individuals have been appointed as Foreign Minister within the administration's first two years.

Speaking on RaajjeTV's "Fala Surukhee" program, Ameeth stated that the Maldives remains heavily reliant on foreign nations from a financial perspective. He noted that while the country exists as a fully sovereign state, its current financial standing necessitates significant assistance from international organizations and friendly nations, particularly in addressing disasters and securing budgetary support.

Ameeth stated that, in this context, the Maldives' foreign policy can be described as its first line of defense. He noted that the success of foreign policy is measured by the extent to which the country can secure international assistance during crises, as well as the level of foreign aid mobilized for national development.

He stated that, when measured against this theory, it could be argued that the Maldives' current foreign policy is a failure.

As President Muizzu’s administration marks its second year, there is a notable absence of any major development projects successfully initiated through foreign aid. By circumstance, the Maldives finds itself in a position where it must rely on the support of neighboring regional powers to ensure its economic survival. Consequently, if foreign policy is not formulated with great care and strategic foresight, the country risks facing significant adverse repercussions.

Mohamed Ameeth, the former Member of Parliament for the Maduvvari constituency.

Ameeth stated that although employee salaries are being paid, the Maldivian economy is effectively bankrupt. He noted that no major projects are currently underway on any island and emphasized that the national budget ends in a deficit every year.

Ameeth stated that although officials project millions of dollars in foreign aid when drafting the annual budget, these funds often fail to materialize. He noted that this discrepancy indicates a failure in the effective implementation of the Maldives' foreign policy.

Ameeth stated that a country's foreign policy cannot be effective if the Foreign Minister is replaced too frequently. He noted that professionals and ministers in this field operate through the relationships they build with other nations. He further emphasized that a successful foreign policy cannot be established without cultivating strong personal ties with world leaders, foreign ministers, and high-ranking officials.

Ameeth stated that the appointment of three different foreign ministers within a span of two years is a clear indication that the country's foreign policy is failing.