President Mohamed Muizzu said on Tuesday that the country’s foreign policy must ensure its sovereignty and independence are never compromised, reaffirming a commitment to strengthening ties with developing nations and maintaining regional peace.
Delivering the Presidential Address at the opening of the 2025 session of Parliament, Muizzu said “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.”
He said the Maldives would prioritise relations with its neighbours and work closely with the international community “to promote peace, stability, and development.” He also stated that the country would not tolerate “crimes such as illegal settlements, harm to life, or violations of human dignity.”
Muizzu highlighted the Maldives’ position on the Palestinian issue, reiterating that the country would “not support any actions against the Palestinian statehood.” He said the government remained committed to the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on pre-1967 borders.
The President also recalled the Maldives’ submission of a Declaration of Intervention in support of South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice against Israel. He noted that on 19 December 2024, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution seeking an ICJ advisory opinion on Israel’s responsibilities regarding humanitarian assistance to Palestinians.
On national security, Muizzu said the government had taken steps to enhance defence capabilities. He announced the establishment of a “Special Boat Squadron” within the Coast Guard’s special operations, which was launched on 3 November 2024.
The President also emphasised the government’s initiatives to strengthen the technical, educational, and resource capabilities of both the police and armed forces.
Muizzu’s address comes as the Maldives seeks to assert its sovereignty while navigating geopolitical challenges in the Indian Ocean region.