Opposition leader and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has criticised Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel for not attending the United Nations’ High-Level Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday, Fayyaz expressed disappointment that Khaleel had chosen to attend “a banquet” instead of representing the Maldives at the conference, which he described as “critically important” for advancing the Palestinian cause.
“Dear Minister. It is indeed heartening to know Maldives is participating in this critically important conference which holds promise in expediting the establishment of a Palestinian State, ultimately leading to a more peaceful Middle East and world,” Fayyaz wrote.
“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 in this conference. This choice sends a concerning message about our nation’s priority with regards to our support and solidarity for the Palestinian cause. The people of Maldives would wish to see President @MMuizzu or at the least your presence in this conference,” he added.
Fayyaz’s remarks came after Khaleel posted on X that the Maldives was participating in the conference, calling it “a clear demonstration of unwavering support for a just and lasting peace to the ongoing conflict in Palestine.”
The Maldives is being represented at the conference, held in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday, by the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ali Naseer Mohamed.
The conference, co-chaired by the foreign ministers of France and Saudi Arabia, was convened under UN General Assembly Resolution 79/81. It aims to advance the implementation of UN resolutions on the Palestinian question and the two-state solution.