An unequivocal clarification: The Maldives' severance from Israel remains in effect
At the 61st Independence Day ceremony of the Maldives, President Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed the ban on Israeli passport holders, citing solidarity with Palestinians and criticizing the opposition's past pro-Israel policies.
The events of the 61st Independence Day of the Maldives, held in the capital Malé, were the most successful in the last decade from a diplomatic perspective, with the presence of 113 representatives from 43 countries and international organizations. However, the President, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, used the stage of this political display to clarify to the whole world: the boycott of Israel remains in effect, and without compromise.
During his keynote speech at the ceremony, Muizzu emphasized that his foreign policy, known as the 'Maldives First Policy', is based on protecting the country's interests and the values of its citizens. Within this framework, the President declared that the Maldives will maintain and preserve relations with every country in the world, except for Israel.
Closing the gates to the Israeli tourist
As a central part of his speech, President Muizzu referred directly to the decision to impose a sweeping entry ban on tourists and visitors from Israel, a step that put an end to the previous policy that allowed Israeli tourists to visit the tropical islands. Muizzu clarified that this is a decision based on the extensive support of the Maldivian people for the Palestinian people and on firm opposition to Israel's actions, acts of murder, and fighting in the Gaza Strip.
'Therefore, the Maldives will maintain and preserve relations with every country in the world, except for Israel,' Muizzu said in front of the audience and foreign guests, including the guest of honor, Prince Dr. Mansour bin Mutaib from Saudi Arabia and the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Dr. Hasan Mahmud. The President added a direct reference to the tourism boycott: 'This is the reason why we proudly decided to prevent holders of Israeli passports from arriving in this country to enjoy our beaches and beautiful waters. And we will stand by this position.'
He clarified that the current policy of non-recognition of Israel and the ban on the entry of tourists holding an Israeli passport will continue as long as the actions against the Palestinians continue and as long as his administration's foreign policy is in effect.
As in June, when the President gave a speech to the nation, this time too, the choice to raise the issue of the boycott and tourism specifically at the central national ceremony served Muizzu as a tool in the internal political conflict. In his speech, he sharply attacked the opposition party (MDP) and accused its previous administrations of conducting a pro-Israel policy that distanced itself from Arab and Islamic countries. Muizzu claimed that under previous administrations, advanced preparations were made for rapprochement with Jerusalem, which included planning by Israeli airlines to operate direct flight lines to the islands and the arrival of medical teams from Israel. 'When the MDP was in power, the circumstances were completely opposite. A pro-Israel policy was implemented that was completely disconnected from our values,' he accused.
Call for regional peace and strengthening ties
Alongside the hard line towards Israel and the distancing of Israeli tourists, the President sought to present his country as peace-loving, seeking to strengthen ties with the rest of the world. He noted that the Maldivian people reject violence, wars, and conflicts, including in the Middle East, and said: 'We will always put peace first. We are a peace-loving country. Therefore, we will always call for solutions through peaceful means. If disagreements are resolved through the sword and the gun, there will be no solution to it. This is the thinking of this government.'
Furthermore, Muizzu emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and called for the revival of the activities of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which has been inactive for nine years, with the willingness of the Maldives to serve as a mediator. At the same time, he noted the country's active involvement in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), The Commonwealth, and the international fight against climate change. In the government's environment, it was concluded that the extraordinary diplomatic presence at the ceremony is proof that the 'Maldives First Policy' is succeeding in strengthening ties with Arab countries and the whole world, while strictly maintaining national principles and values.
