The Maldives has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening solidarity among member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as it marks the 50th anniversary of joining the bloc, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said.
In a message commemorating the milestone, President Muizzu described the OIC as a vital platform for promoting unity among Muslim nations and addressing the challenges facing the global Muslim community.
The President noted that the Maldives became a member of the OIC on 20 July 1976, less than a decade after the organisation was established, beginning what he described as a partnership built on mutual respect for sovereignty, solidarity and support for the development of member states.
Reflecting on the OIC's role over the past five decades, Mr Muizzu said the need to respond to the concerns of the Muslim Ummah remains as urgent today as ever, underscoring the organisation's continued relevance.
He also highlighted the Maldives' participation in Islamic Summits, meetings of the Council of Foreign Ministers and other high-level forums, saying Maldivian diplomats had contributed to discussions on climate resilience, women's empowerment, Islamic finance and efforts to strengthen the organisation.
The President said the relationship between the Maldives and the OIC extends beyond a traditional alliance, adding that the organisation's principles of Islamic values and justice resonate strongly with the Maldivian people.
He reiterated the Maldives' support for the rights of the Palestinian people and called for accountability and justice for Rohingya Muslims and other Muslim communities facing hardship around the world.
Concluding his message, President Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives' commitment to advancing the objectives of the OIC and working with fellow member states to promote practical and effective solutions to the challenges confronting the Muslim world.