President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced that this year’s Independence Day celebrations attracted the largest contingent of foreign diplomats in a decade, underscoring the Maldives’ growing diplomatic outreach.
Speaking at the official Independence Day ceremony, the President highlighted the breadth of international participation as a testament to the nation’s commitment to inclusive foreign engagement.
According to President Muizzu, representatives from 43 countries and the United Nations joined the celebrations, with a total of 113 foreign diplomats and representatives present.
“This is the highest number of foreign diplomats to attend our Independence Day in the past ten years,” he said, noting the figure reflects strengthening ties across regions.
The President took the opportunity to thank dignitaries who graced the event, singling out Prince Dr Mansour bin Mutaib bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Minister of State, and Cabinet Member of Saudi Arabia, and Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, Dr Khalilur Rahman, for their participation.
In his remarks, President Muizzu reiterated the core tenets of his administration’s foreign policy.
“The policy of this government is very clear. We will work with everyone to give priority to the Maldives and its people,” he said.
He outlined the “Maldives First” approach, which seeks to maintain cordial relations with all nations except Israel. Citing Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide of the Palestinian people, the President pointed out that holders of Israeli passports are not permitted to enter the Maldives, a stance he said he is proud to uphold.
Emphasising the Maldives’ identity as a peace‑loving nation, President Muizzu pledged that the country will continue to champion peace, oppose injustice and war, and seek collaborative solutions to international disputes despite differing viewpoints.