Maldives will not allow its geographical location to be misused by any country, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has insisted.
In an exclusive interview with Sri Lanka’s ‘Ceylon Today’ newspaper, President Dr Muizzu insisted that Maldives will not allow its geographical location to be misused by any country for deliberate attempts that undermine the peace and stability of the Indian Ocean region.
However, the opportunity to travel through Maldivian territory will be given with respect and equality because Maldives will always support freedom of navigation, he said.
“Any decision to facilitate the passage of a foreign vessel in our region will always be carefully guided by our national interests, establishing all protocols and international obligations to ensure peace and stability in this region,” the President explained.
President Dr Muizzu pointed out that in the past, the Maldives, as a gesture of friendship, has allowed entry to warships and other vessels from a number of countries, including the United States and India.
“The Maldives is well known for its goodwill, hospitality and warmth and my administration hopes to uphold that image well into the future,” he added.
The President was responding to a question over the decision by the Maldives to allow entry of a Chinese research vessel after its entry was denied by Sri Lanka.
“There were no hidden motives to it and we certainly did not permit the foreign vessel to conduct any research in our waters,” he assured.
Responding to a question over the Indo-Pacific strategy spearheaded by the US and India, the President insisted that for the Maldives, any Indo-Pacific strategy must be about safeguarding this region as a zone of security in line with international maritime laws and regulations, and supporting sustainable development through regional dialogue, connectivity, collaboration and inclusivity.