Muizzu credits 'Pro-Maldives' policy for strong diplomat turnout

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that his administration is implementing a "pro-Maldives" foreign policy. The President noted that the success of this policy is evident from this year's Independence Day celebrations.

Speaking at the official ceremony held Sunday morning to mark the Maldives' 61st Independence Day, President Muizzu noted that 113 diplomats representing 43 countries and various international organizations are participating in the festivities. The President highlighted that this marks the highest level of foreign diplomatic participation in such celebrations over the past decade. He emphasized that this significant presence serves as a testament to the success of the current administration's foreign policy.

Elaborating on the nation's foreign policy, the President stated that he does not believe political independence alone constitutes a truly sovereign state. He emphasized that diplomatic autonomy is an integral component of that independence. He asserted that this is the "Maldivians' Maldives," where Maldivian interests must always take precedence. In this regard, he reaffirmed that the current administration's foreign policy is centered on a "Pro-Maldives" approach. He further noted that by prioritizing Maldivian interests, the country continues to maintain close relations with every nation across the globe.

President Muizzu, who served in the cabinet of the administration that abruptly severed ties with Qatar and Iran, stated that while past policies may have distanced the Maldives from Arab and Islamic nations, such an approach does not align with the values of the Maldivian people. He emphasized that a foreign policy rooted in the pulse and sentiments of the citizens is one that will bring them joy and satisfaction. The President further assured that his administration would maintain close relations with Arab and Islamic countries while strengthening ties with all partner nations that provide beneficial assistance to the Maldives.

Breaking his administration's silence following the U.S. and Israeli-led strikes on Iran, President Muizzu stated during a gathering that the Maldivian people do not condone war or acts of aggression, calling instead for peaceful resolutions to conflicts. He emphasized that despite any differences, lasting solutions cannot be achieved through military force, noting that the government's foreign policy is built upon this fundamental principle.

Highlighting the Maldives' membership in various international organizations, President Muizzu addressed the current stagnation of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). He expressed his belief that differences can be resolved through dialogue and urged member states to prioritize regional peace by returning to the negotiating table to revitalize SAARC activities. While the President did not specify which countries should initiate this dialogue, he affirmed that the Maldives stands ready to take a leading role in these efforts.

President Muizzu, who served as a cabinet minister and supported the Maldives' abrupt withdrawal from the Commonwealth during a previous administration, stated that the Maldives continues to play a leading role in international organizations such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Commonwealth. Furthermore, despite having claimed after his election that climate change was not a reality, he highlighted the Maldives' ongoing efforts to combat the adverse effects of climate change during his Independence Day address.

In his remarks, President Muizzu reaffirmed his commitment to reclaiming the "sovereign territory of the Maldives abandoned by the previous administration." While he highlighted ongoing legal reforms aimed at safeguarding the nation's territorial integrity, there is still no visible progress on his repeated pledge to recover the "lost maritime area." Furthermore, following the deployment of the Maldivian military to the overlapping maritime boundary between the Maldives and Mauritius, Mauritius—a country that has long maintained close ties with the Maldives—has severed its diplomatic relations with the nation.

The events marking this year's Independence Day were graced by His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Mansour bin Mutaib bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of State of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, at the special invitation of the Government of Maldives, His Excellency Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, also participated in the Independence Day festivities.