The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdulla Khaleel has said that the government is studying the potential implications of the ongoing Middle East War on the Maldives’ economy and security.
The Minister made the remarks while speaking at a press conference held by the Special Cabinet Committee set up by the President in response to developments in the Middle East and assess their possible negative impacts on Maldives’ security and economic stability.
The Foreign Minister revealed that the government has initiated the necessary steps to safeguard the nation based on the special committee’s findings.
The Minister stated that President had established the committee within the first six hours of the breakout of hostilities in the Middle East and the first committee meeting was held within the first day of the war, and since then a total of five meetings have been held.
Minister Dr Khaleel said the committee is closely monitoring the economic and security challenges that Maldives, as a small island developing state dependent on imports face due to the ongoing attacks and retaliatory attacks in the Middle East and Gulf countries. The Foreign Minister and Chairman of the Committee said that the necessary measures have already been initiated under a robust system to protect the interests of the island archipelago.
“During these meetings, we are closely monitoring the situation of the people in the conflict zones and the challenges that may arise in key sectors of the Maldivian economy due to the conflict. Subsequently, based on our findings, the government has initiated necessary measures to safeguard the nation’s interest”, said Minister Khaleel.
The Minister also reiterated that Maldives’ airspace has not been used by any party to conduct offensive military operations in the ongoing war, as a measure to safeguard the nation’s priorities and security.
“Maldives’ airspace has not been used by any country for offensive military actions pertaining to the war, as a step taken to protect our economy and ensure our security. Furthermore, any such requests will be rejected. Permission will not be granted to use the Maldivian airspace for any such actions”, the minister emphasised.
Minister Khaleel also assured that while the impact of the war on the economy is being studied, arrangements and mechanism are also being strengthened to ensure that Maldives gets food and oil without any difficulties. He also stated that alternative channels are being explored to import oil through diplomatic channels with neighboring countries and other friendly states. Maldives imports most of its oil from the middle east, and the ongoing conflict have led to severe difficulties to import oil from the usual channels.
On ensuring food security, other markets have been identified, and imports have been initiated to ensure continuous supply of essential food items, he said, adding that the government is working to identify and address issues related to the closure of airspace. He also revealed that major alternative routes for tourist arrivals are being discussed with relevant stakeholders and airlines, in a bid to protect the nation’s main economic driver, the tourism industry.
In addition, efforts are being made to identify and provide assistance to Maldivians living in the Middle East and those trapped due to the war, he said. Diplomatic efforts are also being made to strengthen the bond between friendly nations and international organisations, he revealed.