President Dr Mohamed Muizzu stated that 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.
The President made these remarks whilst delivering the Presidential Address at today's opening session of the People's Majlis for 2025.
The President stated that the country's foreign policy aims to strengthen ties with developing countries, with peace as the state's top priority. He assured that the Maldives would prioritise its neighbours and continue to work closely with the international community to promote peace, stability, and development. He also emphasised that the country would never tolerate crimes such as illegal settlements, harm to life, or violations of human dignity.
In this year's Presidential Address, the President emphasised on the Palestinian issue. He mentioned that the Maldives had submitted a Declaration of Intervention last year, following South Africa's application to the International Court of Justice against Israel in favour of the Palestinian people. The President also noted that on December 19, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution seeking the International Court of Justice's prior advice on Israel's responsibilities regarding the United Nations, international organisations, and global efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people.
The President stated that the Maldives will not support any actions against the Palestinian statehood. He reaffirmed the country's unwavering commitment to the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, with pre-1967 borders,. He also emphasised that the Government would continue to provide full support to the Palestinian people in their efforts to realise their dream of establishing an independent state.
In his presidential address, the President highlighted the efforts made in the past year to protect the country's independence and sovereignty. To enhance the capability to defend the nation by land and air, he announced the establishment of a "Special Boat Squadron" for the Special Operations of the Coast Guard on November 3, 2024.
The President further mentioned that several efforts have been made to improve the technical, educational, and resource capabilities of the police and armed forces. He highlighted that police stations have been opened in 27 islands since November 17, 2023, with the target to start services in 39 islands this year where police services were not yet available. Additionally, he stated that the construction of full permanent police stations would begin this year to replace the temporary stations set up in 20 islands.
