Maldivian government maintains that severing ties with Qatar was an autonomous decision by the state and that there was no external pressure to make the decision.
Addressing a press conference held at the President's Office on Monday night, following the announcement, Attorney General Mohamed Anil said that the government weighed the pros and cons of what the consequences of such a decision would be, before moving forward with the decision. The Attorney General maintained that any decision by the government would be made in a way that it protects the identity, sovereignty and independence of the country. He assured that the government would not make a decision that would have an adverse effect on citizens.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohamed Asim said that the Maldivian government has zero-tolerance for terrorism and added that the government has been reviewing countries and organizations that encourage acts of terror. He added that this did not mean that the government would be cutting trade ties with Qatar. The Minister said that the government gives utmost priority to have close ties with especially Arab Islamic countries.
The Attorney General Mohamed Anil also reiterated that the decision to sever ties with Qatar would not have any adverse effects on any economic or infrastructural development project. The Maldives took the decision because of its firm opposition to activities that encourage terrorism and extremism in a cabinet meeting held on Monday.
The government said that Maldives has always pursued a policy of promoting peace and stability in the Middle East and reiterates its commitment to work with countries that promote peace, stability, and show solidarity in the fight against terrorism.
The Maldives established diplomatic relations with Qatar on the 26th of May 1984.