President Dr Mohamed Muizzu stated that the sovereignty of the Maldives is the highest priority in the country's history, and its foreign policy should ensure that sovereignty and independence are never compromised.

The President made these remarks whilst delivering the Presidential Address at today's opening session of the People's Majlis for 2025.

The President stated that the country's foreign policy aims to strengthen ties with developing countries, with peace as the state's top priority. He assured that the Maldives would prioritise its neighbours and continue to work closely with the international community to promote peace, stability, and development. He also emphasised that the country would never tolerate crimes such as illegal settlements, harm to life, or violations of human dignity.

In this year's Presidential Address, the President emphasised on the Palestinian issue. He mentioned that the Maldives had submitted a Declaration of Intervention last year, following South Africa's application to the International Court of Justice against Israel in favour of the Palestinian people. The President also noted that on December 19, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution seeking the International Court of Justice's prior advice on Israel's responsibilities regarding the United Nations, international organisations, and global efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people.

The President stated that the Maldives will not support any actions against the Palestinian statehood. He reaffirmed the country's unwavering commitment to the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, with pre-1967 borders,. He also emphasised that the Government would continue to provide full support to the Palestinian people in their efforts to realise their dream of establishing an independent state.

In his presidential address, the President highlighted the efforts made in the past year to protect the country's independence and sovereignty. To enhance the capability to defend the nation by land and air, he announced the establishment of a "Special Boat Squadron" for the Special Operations of the Coast Guard on November 3, 2024.

The President further mentioned that several efforts have been made to improve the technical, educational, and resource capabilities of the police and armed forces. He highlighted that police stations have been opened in 27 islands since November 17, 2023, with the target to start services in 39 islands this year where police services were not yet available. Additionally, he stated that the construction of full permanent police stations would begin this year to replace the temporary stations set up in 20 islands.

Source: https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/33015

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that India has consistently proven to be a steadfast ally to the Maldives.

He made the statement in his address at the official banquet hosted by Her Excellency Droupadi Murmu, President of the Republic of India. The banquet was held on Monday evening as part of President Dr Muizzu’s state visit to India.

In his address, the President reflected on the shared values, history, and cultural exchanges that had shaped the enduring partnership between Maldives and India over the years. President Dr Muizzu added, the diplomatic relations between the Maldives and India, on its sixth decade, is poised to flourish to even greater heights.

President Dr Muizzu reiterated his electoral pledge of mutual respect between neighbouring nations. President Dr Muizzu also expressed confidence on strengthened relations with India, built on mutually beneficial solutions that serve the interests of the two nations.

Prime Minister His Excellency Narendra Modi, First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed, officials from the Indian government and the visiting Maldivian delegation attended the official banquet.

Source: https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/31838

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel concluded his official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today. The visit undertaken on the invitation of Foreign Minister, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud underscored the deep fraternal ties between the Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia,  reaffirming the strong longstanding partnership between the two nations. 

On his visit, Foreign Minister Dr. Khaleel held productive discussions with his counterpart Foreign Minister His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud and senior dignitaries of the government of Saudi Arabia. Discussions centered on further enhancing the longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries as well as future areas of collaboration. During the meetings, Foreign Minister Khaleel provided a  comprehensive briefing on the economic priorities and efforts to diversify Maldives economy ensuring stability and growth in key sectors, such as tourism, infrastructure and renewable energy. 

During the visit, Minister Dr. Khaleel also interacted with the resident Maldivian Community in Riyadh and students in Medinah and inquired about their well-being. In addition Foreign Minister visited the Embassy of Maldives in Riyadh and Consulate of Maldives in Jeddah and emphasised on the close cooperation between both missions in supporting Maldivians residing and travelling to Saudi Arabia especially for Hajj and Umrah, while also working to enhance diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries. 

Foreign Minister Dr. Khaleel was accompanied by Secretary, Bilateral Dr. Hala Hameed and Joint Secretary Ms. Khadeeja Najeeha.