Maldives President Reaffirms Boycott of Israel at Independence Day Ceremony

During the 61st Independence Day celebrations in Malé, Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu declared that the country's boycott of Israel remains firm. Speaking before 113 representatives from 43 countries and international organizations, Muizzu outlined his "Maldives First" foreign policy, emphasizing national interests and citizens' values. He stated, "Maldives will maintain relations with every country except Israel," and announced a ban on entry for holders of Israeli passports, reflecting public support for the Palestinian people and opposition to Israeli actions in Gaza.

Muizzu criticized previous governments, particularly the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), for pursuing pro-Israel policies that distanced Maldives from Arab and Islamic nations. He cited past plans for direct flights from Israel and Israeli medical teams as examples of this shift. The president reaffirmed that as long as Israeli actions against Palestinians continue, Maldives will neither recognize Israel nor allow Israelis to enter.

Despite the strong stance on Israel, Muizzu portrayed Maldives as a peace-loving nation committed to resolving conflicts peacefully, including those in the Middle East. He emphasized that Maldives opposes violence and war, stating, "If disagreements are settled by sword and rifle, there will be no solution." The event was one of the most diplomatically successful in a decade for Maldives, with notable attendees including Saudi Prince Dr. Mansour bin Muteb and Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman.