Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has stated the whole world fully supports President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's foreign policy. He made the statement at a special ceremony to rename the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in memory of the late former Foreign Minister Fathuhulla Jameel.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Shahid highlighted the country's increasing involvement in the international community and said the successes of the Maldives foreign policy are due to former Minister Fathuhulla Jameel. He praised Fathulla Jameel as a visionary whom he had the honour of serving with as a junior foreign service officer and said the foundations of the modern Maldivian Foreign Service was established and promoted by Fathulla Jameel, who always believed that a small country like the Maldives, should have a professional, skilled and efficient diplomatic service that promotes international relations, trade, and tourism with the international community.
Furthermore, Minister Shahid said the Maldives had become isolated from the rest of the world by the time President Solih was elected in 2018, and that he has successfully regained the trust of the international community.
Also speaking at the ceremony, President Solih said the success of the country's foreign policy is based on the principles set by Fathuhulla Jameel in his 27 years of service, making him the longest-serving foreign minister in the Maldives. He highlighted how his administration has successfully recovered from five years of isolationism prior to his election, as proven by Minister Shahid winning the presidency of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Furthermore, President Solih also noted the foreign ministry building was first designed by Fathulla Jameel and that dedicating the building in his memory would honour his years of contribution.