President Muizzu Reaffirms Ties With OIC as Maldives Marks 50 Years Membership

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed the Maldives' commitment to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), marking the 50th anniversary of the nation's membership in the influential bloc. In a commemorative message, the President described the OIC as a vital platform for promoting unity among Muslim nations and addressing the complex challenges facing the global Muslim community. He noted that the Maldives joined the organization on July 20, 1976, establishing a partnership built on mutual respect for sovereignty, solidarity, and shared development goals. Reflecting on five decades of engagement, President Muizzu emphasized that the need to address the concerns of the Muslim Ummah remains as urgent today as it was at the organization's inception. He underscored the OIC's continued relevance in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. The President highlighted the active role Maldivian diplomats have played within the organization, specifically through participation in Islamic Summits and Council of Foreign Ministers meetings. He noted that the Maldives has contributed significantly to global discussions on climate resilience—a critical priority for the low-lying archipelago—as well as women's empowerment and the expansion of Islamic finance. Beyond diplomatic alliances, President Muizzu stated that the OIC's core principles of Islamic values and justice resonate deeply with the Maldivian people. This alignment is reflected in the nation's steadfast foreign policy positions. The President used the occasion to reiterate the Maldives' unwavering support for the rights of the Palestinian people. He further called for international accountability and justice for Rohingya Muslims and other Muslim communities currently facing hardship and persecution worldwide. Concluding his message, President Muizzu reaffirmed that the Maldives will continue to advance the OIC's objectives, working alongside member states to implement practical and effective solutions to the crises confronting the Muslim world.