The incumbent Administration’s neutral foreign policy has delivered better relations with Maldives’ bilateral and multilateral partners, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel has said.
In an exclusive interview with PSM News, Minister Dr Khaleel insisted that the essence of Maldives’ current foreign policy, as enshrined in the Constitution, is “Maldives First” with the interests of the country and its people at the forefront.
According to the Minister, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s uncompromising red line to ensure Maldives’ independence and sovereignty is clearly evident in recent efforts to build and strengthen ties with the international community.
Minister said the country’s international partners have respected the shift in Maldives’ foreign policy to put its independence and sovereignty first, which has led to closer and better relations with both bilateral and multilateral partners.
"Every country will put its own interests and the interests of its people first. It will be ensured even if it is not written. So very clearly the result of us standing firm in this way is that the countries understand the sincerity of our foreign policy," he explained.
The shift in Maldives’ foreign policy is geared towards neutrality and equality regardless of size or power, which has directly led to closer relations with international partners, he added.
Despite the clear regional rivalry, Minister Dr Khaleel insisted that both India and China are significantly important development partners of the Maldives and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to treating both nations equally.