President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed the Maldives’ firm commitment to strengthening solidarity, cooperation and collective action among Member States of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation as the country commemorates the 50th anniversary of its membership in the Organisation.
In a message issued on the occasion, President Dr Muizzu reflected on the enduring importance of the OIC in promoting unity among Muslim nations and enhancing their collective ability to respond effectively to emerging regional and global challenges. He emphasised that the Organisation continues to play an essential role in safeguarding the interests, dignity and wellbeing of the Muslim Ummah.
The President noted that, despite the considerable changes experienced across the international landscape over the past five decades, the need to address the concerns of Muslim communities worldwide remains as urgent as ever. He said this reality demonstrates the continued relevance of the OIC and the importance of strengthening its capacity to deliver practical, timely and effective solutions to the challenges facing the Islamic world.
The Maldives was admitted as a Member State of the OIC on 20 July 1976, less than a decade after the Organisation was established. President Dr Muizzu recalled that the country’s accession marked the beginning of a longstanding partnership founded on mutual respect for national sovereignty, Islamic solidarity and shared support for the social and economic development of Member States.
Over the past 50 years, the Maldives has actively contributed to the work of the Organisation through its participation in Islamic Summits, sessions of the Council of Foreign Ministers and other high-level meetings and specialised forums. The country has consistently used these platforms to advance matters of common concern to the Islamic world and to promote constructive dialogue, international cooperation and sustainable development.
President Dr Muizzu highlighted the valuable contributions made by Maldivian diplomats to OIC deliberations and initiatives over the decades. These contributions have supported discussions on priority areas including climate resilience, women’s empowerment, Islamic finance and the revitalisation and institutional strengthening of the Organisation’s work.
As a climate-vulnerable island nation, the Maldives has consistently advocated for stronger international cooperation to address climate change and its disproportionate effects on developing countries and small island states. Through its engagement with the OIC, the Government has continued to encourage greater solidarity and coordinated support for Member States facing environmental, economic and developmental challenges.
The President observed that the relationship between the Maldives and the OIC extends beyond conventional diplomatic cooperation. He stated that the Islamic principles of unity, justice, compassion and mutual assistance represented by the Organisation resonate deeply with the values and identity of the Maldivian people.
This shared commitment is reflected in the Maldives’ steadfast advocacy for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and its continued support for the establishment of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State. The Maldives has also maintained its call for accountability, justice and international action to protect the rights of Rohingya Muslims and other Muslim communities facing persecution and hardship around the world.
Under the leadership of President Dr Muizzu, the Government of Maldives continues to pursue an active foreign policy that strengthens relations with Islamic nations, promotes national interests and contributes constructively to addressing the priorities of the Muslim Ummah. The Government has reaffirmed that cooperation through the OIC remains an important component of the country’s international engagement and diplomatic outlook.
Concluding his message, President Dr Muizzu reiterated the Maldives’ determination to advance the objectives and principles of the OIC and to further strengthen cooperation and solidarity among its Member States. He underscored the importance of unity, coordinated action and meaningful institutional engagement in developing effective responses to the challenges confronting the Muslim world.
As the Maldives marks five decades of OIC membership, the anniversary reflects the country’s enduring commitment to Islamic solidarity, principled diplomacy and constructive cooperation with Muslim nations in pursuit of peace, justice, resilience and shared prosperity.
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