Maldives pursuing a high-profile foreign policy that puts Maldivians first: Foreign Minister Irtisham

Foreign Minister Irtisham Adam has said the Maldives is following a clear, high-profile foreign policy that prioritises the interests of Maldivians. Speaking with Mihaaru last Sunday, the minister said the government's foreign policy has been shaped under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's "Maldives First policy", and that it is a policy that upholds fairness and prioritises Maldivians. "Over the past two and a half years, as you can also see, in this government President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, as a top diplomat, has, in a very wise and very firm manner, maintained relations with many countries, met leaders of many countries and also played a leadership role," Irtisham said. The minister said the Maldives has not been seen pursuing a foreign policy in such a high-profile manner at any other time. It was a policy of not being beholden to any group or any country, while protecting the interests, freedom and sovereignty of Maldivians and establishing friendly relations with all countries, he said. "Maintaining those relations is also very important. Accordingly, what are the things that benefit the economic progress of the Republic of Maldives, attract investments to the Republic of Maldives, and bring benefit to the people of the Republic of Maldives? That is why the foreign policy has been shaped in that manner," the minister said. Irtisham said that, within the foreign policy, the role of embassies in various countries is being broadened, and that alongside serving Maldivians living in those countries, ways to obtain trade benefits for the Maldives are also being expanded. PROACTIVE POLICY The minister said the Maldives is following a policy of being "proactive" — taking initiative and doing things in advance — instead of "reacting" to something when it happens. In particular, at the leadership level, the Maldives prioritises resolving different issues through dialogue, Irtisham said. He said that because the Maldives' own independence and sovereignty can also be maintained only by playing an active role internationally, it is important for the Maldives to work "proactively". "That is why the Maldives has also gained some success in elections at the UN." PALESTINE AND REGIONAL ISSUES One of the things the minister highlighted was the Palestine issue. He said that, in order to protect the rights of the Palestinian people, the Maldives has played a leading role in the UN General Assembly and the Security Council, and has co-sponsored some resolutions. "We voted for those resolutions. Moreover, on the legal requirements submitted at the ICJ to protect the rights of the Palestinian people and in the efforts being made to take action against Israel, the Republic of Maldives raised its voice," Irtisham said. He said that among the conflicts currently taking place in the Middle East, on the issue of closing the Strait of Hormuz as well, President Muizzu contacted leaders of Islamic countries in the region and informed them that the Maldives would advocate. The foreign minister said there are matters related to some international and regional issues on which the Maldives also needs to raise its voice. "When we say that the President of the Republic is following a wise and firm foreign policy, in the address delivered by the President of the Republic on our Independence Day as well, it was said that to further strengthen the relations among SAARC countries, and for our progress too, this would come through holding a summit of the countries of this region and revitalising SAARC," the minister said. He said the Maldives always prioritises diplomacy and "dialogue", or resolving matters through talks. Minister Irtisham said this policy is also being followed among the conflicts in the Middle East. As the minister highlighted, one of the things the Maldives is currently prioritising is establishing diplomatic relations with some African countries. He said this would also be seen from the meetings held on the sidelines of the recently convened 81st UN session and the agreements signed.