Minister of Foreign Affairs Iruthisham Adam has called on members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to take decisive and coordinated action in support of the Palestinian people, while reaffirming the Maldives’ unwavering commitment to justice, legitimate Palestinian rights and the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine.
Addressing an extraordinary meeting of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Minister Iruthisham strongly condemned Israel’s continued expansion of settlements and the annexation of Palestinian land. She also expressed serious concern over what she described as the lack of meaningful international action to ensure accountability for violations of international law.
The Foreign Minister urged OIC member states to strengthen their collective response to developments in Palestine, stressing that their actions should reflect the shared responsibility and commitment of Islamic countries to uphold the values and principles of the Muslim Ummah. Her remarks highlighted the importance of maintaining a unified diplomatic position and translating international concern into concrete action in support of the Palestinian people.
Minister Iruthisham reiterated that the Government of Maldives will remain a steadfast advocate for Palestinians in their pursuit of justice and the full realization of their legitimate rights. She reaffirmed the Maldives’ longstanding position in support of the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The Maldives has consistently placed the Palestinian cause among its important foreign policy priorities and has continued to advocate for Palestinian rights through international and multilateral platforms. Under the Government’s diplomatic engagement, the country has maintained a clear position calling for respect for international law, protection of the rights of the Palestinian people and a sustainable political solution that provides lasting peace and security.
During her address in Jeddah, Minister Iruthisham also called for concrete steps towards the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. She described the plan as an important pathway towards achieving lasting peace, emphasizing the need for the international community and OIC member states to turn diplomatic commitments into practical measures capable of supporting a durable resolution to the conflict.
The extraordinary meeting provided an important platform for Muslim countries to coordinate their positions on Palestine and consider collective efforts aimed at addressing the continuing situation facing the Palestinian people. The Maldives’ participation further demonstrated the Government’s commitment to remaining actively engaged in international discussions concerning Palestine and broader issues affecting the Islamic world.
The meeting also marked Minister Iruthisham’s first engagement with the OIC since assuming office as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, providing an important opportunity to represent the country’s positions before one of the largest intergovernmental organisations in the world.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Minister Iruthisham held discussions with foreign ministers from several OIC member states. The engagements highlighted the Maldives’ close relationship with the organisation and provided an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic dialogue and cooperation with fellow member countries.
The Maldives has maintained a longstanding relationship with the OIC since becoming a member in 1976 and has remained actively engaged in the organisation’s work. Through its participation, the country continues to contribute to discussions on issues of common interest to the Islamic world while advocating for international cooperation, peace and the protection of the rights and interests of Muslim communities.
Comprising 57 member states, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation remains one of the world’s largest intergovernmental organisations and a prominent international advocate for the Palestinian people and their aspirations for statehood. The latest engagement in Jeddah reinforces the Maldives’ continued diplomatic advocacy for Palestine and its commitment to working alongside OIC partners in pursuit of justice, peace and a sovereign Palestinian state.
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