Maldives under MDP maintained ‘Pro-Israel’ policy: President Dr. Muizzu
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday defended his administration’s foreign policy approach, stating that the Maldives remains committed to a “Maldives First” agenda while maintaining diplomatic relations with all countries except Israel.
Speaking at the official ceremony commemorating the nation’s 61st Independence Day, the President said his government’s foreign policy is guided by national interests and reflects the views of the Maldivian people.
He emphasized that the administration remains firmly aligned with the Palestinian cause and will continue its current position as long as violence against Palestinians persists.
As long as the atrocities and genocide against the Palestinian people continue, and certainly for as long as this administration’s foreign policy is being implemented, we will remain steadfast in this position. It was with great pride that we decided, in alignment with the sentiments and pulse of our citizens, that individuals traveling on Israeli passports will not be permitted entry into this beautiful land,
President Dr. Muizzu said
The President said the decision to bar Israeli passport holders from entering the Maldives was taken in response to public sentiment and as part of the government’s broader foreign policy objectives.
During his remarks, Muizzu also criticized the foreign policy direction of previous administrations led by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
He argued that the country’s diplomatic approach toward Israel differed significantly during the period when the MDP was in power.
When the MDP administration was in power here, the situation was the exact opposite. This is an evident fact. A pro-Israel policy was implemented then, while distancing the country from Arab and Islamic nations. This is not a path that resonates with the Maldivian people; it was a foreign policy entirely alienated from our values,
President Dr. Muizzu added
According to the President, the Maldives maintained relations with Israel during MDP administrations, a policy he said did not reflect the values and priorities of the Maldivian public.
He contended that his government has taken a different approach by strengthening ties with Arab and Islamic nations while placing national interests at the center of its foreign relations.
President Dr. Muizzu further stated that war and aggression are fundamentally inconsistent with the principles upheld by the Maldivian people.
Referring to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, he said both the Maldives and the broader international community reject violence and continue to support efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace.
The President reiterated that the Maldives will remain a strong advocate for peace and will continue to support initiatives that promote stability, dialogue, and the protection of civilian lives.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to pursuing a foreign policy that reflects the country’s values and responds to the concerns of its citizens.
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