The Maldives government’s recent conduct suggests a shift from its traditionally strong alignment with the Palestinian cause, as it refrains from issuing robust official statements welcoming moves by key allies to recognise Palestinian statehood.
On Friday, France announced it would officially recognise a Palestinian state in September, with President Emmanuel Macron confirming the decision would be made public during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The Maldives Foreign Ministry responded with a brief post on X, formerly Twitter, stating: “Maldives welcomes the announcement by President @EmmanuelMacron on France’s intention to recognise the State of #Palestine. The Maldives calls on all nations that have yet to do so to support the Palestinian people in their legitimate pursuit of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine.”
Unlike in the past, however, the Muizzu government did not issue a formal statement or publish the message on the ministry’s official website. Furthermore, it has yet to comment on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement that the United Kingdom would recognise Palestine by September, provided Israel takes “substantive steps” to end the war in Gaza and commit to a lasting peace process.
Several high-level government sources told Maldives Republic the subdued response reflects a deliberate shift in foreign policy influenced by the United States. The sources did not provide further details.
The apparent recalibration comes as the Maldives faced embarrassment over the United States’ decision to deny a visa to Islamic Minister Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, who was scheduled to represent the country at the United Nations’ High-Level Conference on the Two-State Solution for Israel and Palestine in New York this week. Observers say the visa denial appears deliberate and aimed at pressuring the Maldives to align more closely with broader US policy in the Middle East.
Shaheem’s visa application was reportedly submitted via the US Embassy in Sri Lanka, which offered no explanation for the rejection. While visa refusals are typically accompanied by reasons, local media noted that denials without justification may indicate inclusion on US watchlists.
As a result, the Maldives was represented at the conference by its Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ali Naseer Mohamed. Neither Shaheem nor the government has commented publicly on the matter.
Opposition leader and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) chairperson Fayyaz Ismail strongly criticised Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel for failing to attend the conference in person, saying his absence “sends a concerning message” about the country’s commitment to the Palestinian cause.
“Dear Minister. It is indeed heartening to know Maldives is participating in this critically important conference … However it is deeply regrettable and a shame that Minister @abkhaleel deemed it more urgent and important to attend a banquet rather than represent the Maldives at the highest level,” Fayyaz wrote on X on Tuesday.
The Maldives has historically maintained firm support for Palestinian statehood, regularly issuing formal statements and engaging diplomatically on the issue. However, the government’s limited response to France’s and the UK’s announcements has raised questions about whether President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration is recalibrating its foreign policy stance.
Political analysts note the Maldives’ muted tone contrasts with previous governments, which consistently maintained a strong presence in international forums addressing the Palestinian issue. This departure, coupled with the handling of the visa denial episode, has fuelled debate at home, as reflected in growing criticism on social media.
For now, it remains unclear whether this represents a temporary diplomatic recalibration or a long-term shift in Maldives’ foreign policy priorities. The Maldives has also not joined any international statements issued by Muslim countries on the issue.