Minister of Foreign Affairs Iruthisham Adam has said the Maldives aims to become an active country that plays a leading role in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
She made the remarks in an exclusive interview with PSM News ahead of her departure to Iraq to attend the 52nd session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers.
The Foreign Minister has arrived in Iraq for the meeting and was welcomed at the airport by Dr Ahmed Aldulaimy, the country’s Deputy Minister for Political Planning.
Highlighting the key priorities of her visit, Minister Iruthisham said the session would focus on recognising Palestine as an independent and sovereign state and securing stronger statements of support for the rights of the Palestinian people from all Islamic countries.
She added that the meeting would call on all member states to work together to protect the Palestinian people and commit to a stronger and more effective action plan.
Emphasising the Maldives’ longstanding support for Palestine, the Foreign Minister said the country had consistently advocated for Palestinian rights at the United Nations General Assembly, the UN Security Council and the UN Human Rights Council.
She said the Maldives would continue to support and endorse all constructive resolutions proposed in the future.
The meeting is also expected to discuss measures to address the consequences of conflicts for the Maldives and the wider Islamic community, including difficulties in accessing food and essential goods, as well as economic and transportation challenges.
Marking 50 years of the Maldives’ membership in the OIC, Minister Iruthisham said she would use the session to strengthen ties with Iraq’s Foreign Minister, as well as her counterparts from other countries.
She reiterated that the Maldives aims to establish itself as a proactive country within the OIC, demonstrating leadership and making tangible progress.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation comprises 57 member states and has consistently advocated for Palestinian rights. The Maldives joined the organisation in 1976 and has remained actively engaged in its work.