Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel has stated that the Maldives' position on international issues remain unchanged, refuting claims that Maldives has sided with Ukraine in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war.
Khaleel has made these remarks following a social media post from Estonia's Parliament after a meeting held with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in the ongoing official visit to the country.
Speaker @LauriHussar to President of the #Maldives @MMuizzu: "Although ???????? and ????????are far apart, as small nations, we share common interests." Discussions focused on security, supporting #Ukraine, and defending international law. ???? Thank you????????for supporting ???????? at the #UN! pic.twitter.com/GEKKl86bZl— Riigikogu (@Riigikogu) January 14, 2025
The post from the Estonian Parliament said that discussions in the meeting focused on security, defending international law and supporting Ukraine, extending thanks to the Maldives for supporting Ukraine at the UN.
This led to many people questioning if Maldives, which has so far remained neutral on the Russia-Ukraine war, is choosing a side now.
The Foreign Minister then posted on X, stating that the Maldives' stance on international issues remain unchanged, as is evident by their votes at the UN.
The #Maldives positions on international issues has not changed. This is evident from our voting patterns in the @UN.The Maldives has always taken a principled stance on issues related to the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of all countries - in line with…— Abdulla Khaleel (@abkhaleel) January 16, 2025
"The Maldives has always taken a principled stance on issues related to the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of all countries - in line with the UN Charter," he wrote.
Estonia is providing financial and military aid to Ukraine in the ongoing war.