President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on Monday, stated that over the last five years, foreign policy has focused on protecting and upholding the Maldives’ peace as the top priority. He made these remarks while speaking at a ceremony held at the President's Office this morning to confer the most distinguished Foreign Service medal to two long-serving individuals.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President stated that ties with international organisations were in disarray when the present administration took office. He added that diplomatic relations had been severed between various Islamic countries and the Maldives, hindering and isolating the Maldives in the international arena. He spoke on the administration’s meticulous efforts to regain the international community's trust and confidence in the Maldives. The President further expressed his gratitude to Foreign Minister (ODRI) Abdulla Shahid for his efforts as the Minister of Foreign Affairs to re-establish relations and restore confidence in the Maldives in the international community.
Noting the administration's transformations to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the President stated that the ministry was removed from the civil service mandate under a special law, with the aim to strengthen the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and support the President and the administration in sustaining the current government's foreign policy most efficiently.
The President additionally emphasised the foreign service officers’ tireless work during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the end of his address, President Solih expressed hope that the Maldives' foreign service sector would continue to flourish and thrive in the global community.
