In a strong affirmation of its commitment to global diplomacy and solidarity with the Muslim Ummah, the Maldives made its voice heard at one of the most critical international gatherings of the year, the 51st Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Held in Istanbul, Türkiye, the two-day summit welcomed over 35 foreign ministers and nearly 1,000 participants, including delegates from observer states and leading international organizations.
Leading the Maldives delegation, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdulla Khaleel played an active role in both plenary discussions and bilateral engagements. Delivering the Maldives’ national statement during the session themed “OIC in a Transforming World”, Dr. Khaleel emphasized the importance of enhancing the OIC’s effectiveness to meet today’s complex global challenges. His address focused on reinforcing unity, strengthening cooperation among member states, and upholding the shared principles of peace and justice.
A major concern raised at the summit was the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Palestine. Dr. Khaleel delivered a powerful message on behalf of the Maldivian people, condemning the escalating violence in Gaza and attributing the widespread suffering to continued aggression by Israel. He reiterated the Maldives’ longstanding position in support of a sovereign and independent State of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its rightful capital. Calling on the international community and OIC member states, he urged immediate and formal recognition of Palestine as a crucial step toward achieving sustainable peace in the region.
In addition to Palestine, Dr. Khaleel condemned the recent Israeli airstrikes against Iran, denouncing them as violations of international law and highlighting the dangerous precedent of impunity. The Maldives participated in a dedicated special session convened on the sidelines of the summit to address this aggression, which also featured Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. The session underscored the collective concern of OIC member states over regional stability and legal accountability.
The summit concluded with several adopted draft resolutions, including the Istanbul Declaration, which reaffirmed support for the Palestinian cause and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The declaration also highlighted the need to halt expansion of hostilities across the region. In a progressive step, proposals were also introduced to strengthen OIC coordination through trilateral mechanisms involving the Arab League and African Union, and to foster dialogue with the European Union on shared international concerns.
Beyond diplomatic discourse, the OIC signed a new plan of action with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to enhance migration governance and address the pressing issues surrounding refugees and humanitarian crises, further strengthening its commitment to human rights and cooperation in complex emergencies.
On the sidelines of the main summit, Dr. Khaleel held a bilateral meeting with the Foreign Minister of Tajikistan, Sirojiddin Muhriddin. Discussions focused on enhancing collaboration under the OIC umbrella and identifying areas of mutual interest to strengthen bilateral relations, especially in global policy coordination and development partnerships.
Minister Khaleel was accompanied by a high-level delegation including the Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the OIC, Ahmed Sareer; Maldives’ Ambassador to Türkiye, Lieutenant General (Retired) Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef; Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Fathimath Razana; and Aishath Raihana, Counsellor at the Embassy of Maldives in Türkiye. Their collective participation demonstrated the Maldives’ proactive approach in engaging with key global partners and international forums.
This high-profile presence reflects the Maldives’ rising diplomatic engagement and its growing role in promoting justice, human rights, and international cooperation. For visitors to the Maldives, it is a reminder that this island nation is not only celebrated for its turquoise waters and serene landscapes, but also for its steadfast advocacy on matters of global importance.
As a country that welcomes travelers from around the world, the Maldives continues to be an active and respected voice in international diplomacy, advocating for peace, justice, and humanitarian values that align with the warm hospitality and cultural richness that tourists experience during their stay.
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