Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel has stated that making the Maldives a more active and leading member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is one of the government's main goals.
He made the remarks while speaking to state media ahead of his departure for the 52nd session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Iraq. The minister was received at the airport by Iraq's Deputy Minister of Political Planning, Dr Ahmed Al-Dulaimi.
The session's most important agenda item is the Palestinian issue. The minister said discussions would focus on recognising Palestine as an independent state and reaffirming the unity of Islamic countries in support of Palestinian rights. He also indicated that the meeting would call for stronger collective action by member states to protect Palestinian people.
The Maldives has consistently advocated for Palestinian rights at the United Nations General Assembly, the Security Council and the Human Rights Council, the minister noted. He said the country would continue to support relevant resolutions in the future.
The minister added that the session would also address the impact of ongoing conflicts on the Maldives and the wider Muslim world, including challenges in food and essential goods supply, economic difficulties and travel issues. Broader consultations on solutions are expected.
The trip underscores the government's foreign policy emphasis on deeper engagement within the OIC.
