President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has stated that, global peace and security cannot be ensured, if more powerful states have the license to interfere in the domestic affairs of smaller countries. The President made this statement while speaking at the ceremony organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held last night to celebrate the foreign policy achievements of the Government over the past two years, the Golden Anniversary of independence, as well as 50 years of membership at the United Nations.
The President stated that the Maldives’ independence on 26th July 1965 signified the beginning of the country’s independent foreign policy. Within this context, President Yameen commended Former President Ibrahim Nasir and his senior aide, Late Honourable Abdul Sattar Moosa Didi, for their committed efforts in establishing and strengthening ties between the Maldives and the international community.
The President extended his gratitude to Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom for taking up the important task of putting the Maldives on the world map.
President Yameen also reflected on the contributions of the country’s Foreign Service staff, and attributed his Government’s foreign policy triumphs to their hard work and commitment. The President particularly praised H.E Dunya Maumoon’s dedicated service to the foreign policy implementation, and in her role as the Foreign Minister.
Asserting that the country’s most significant foreign policy decision to date remains joining the UN on 21st September 1965, the President noted the immense contributions made by the UN to the development of the nation. President Yameen noted the urgent need for the UN to reform, emphasizing the importance of making the institution more democratic to ensure that it better addresses the issues of the day, including the ongoing wars and conflict. He noted the need for a stronger say and voice by small states and particularly small island states, such as the Maldives, in the UN system. Stressing the importance of state sovereignty, President Yameen asserted that the rights of all states needed to be respected, in order to successfully foster greater peace and progress among the entire world community. Speaking at the ceremony, the President also called on UN member states to be fair in judging the domestic affairs of the Maldives.
The President voiced that the key to resolving domestic national issues was not through sanctions or punitive actions. Within this context, President Yameen stated that the majority of the Maldivian people shared the view that everyone is equal before the law, and therefore, no individual may be exempted from being legally prosecuted for their wrongdoings. He called for fairness and more factual understanding in relation to the domestic situation in the Maldives.
In last night’s speech, the President noted that the country’s foreign policy is premised upon strengthening relations between Maldives and its neighbours, while maintaining close bilateral ties with all UN member states. President Yameen also stressed that the Maldives has, and will always remain committed to preserving its special relationship with India. The President stated that his Administration is dedicated to securing a prosperous future for the Maldives, and is therefore focused on strengthening ties with other prospering nations. In this regard, President Yameen noted that, under his leadership, the Maldives had strengthened its relationship with China and Saudi Arabia. President Yameen also expressed his hope that the goodwill and support extended by the Maldives to its neighbouring countries will continue to be reciprocated. He stated his wish for strong and close ties with the neighbouring countries, and noted that promoting Islamic values was also an important focus of his Foreign Policy.
At the ceremony last night, a minute of silence was observed in the memory of late Head of Order of Nishan Izzuddin Honourable Abdul Sattar Moosa Didi.
