President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the Maldives will stand alongside Arab and Islamic nations as one unified bloc amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
He made the statement at a press briefing held at the President's Office today.
The President affirmed that the Maldives would act in unity with Arab and Islamic nations, condemning the hostilities and characterising the loss of every Muslim life as a profound loss to the entire Islamic Ummah.
In this regard, the President stated that he had held a telephone conversation with the President of the United Arab Emirates the previous evening to express the Maldives' solidarity and to convey that the Maldivian people stand with them. He further stated that he would be calling the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman to reaffirm the Maldivian people's support for those nations.
The President noted that the Maldives is significantly affected by the situation given its dependence on the Middle East for tourism, food supplies, and fuel, and affirmed that extensive efforts are underway to safeguard the country's interests.
At this year's Presidential Address, the President stated that, barring official travel, public holidays, or unforeseen scheduling conflicts, he will meet with the press every Monday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., with today's briefing marking the first of its kind.