Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has called for greater Islamic solidarity within the global Islamic community and to enhance cooperation in the fields of human rights, commerce, information exchange, while emphasising the need to embrace the noble teachings and principles of Islam.
In delivering his statement at the ongoing 46th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Minister Shahid briefed member states present on the recent democratic and human rights achievements of the country following the historic elections that was held last year. He also spoke about the need to combat radicalisation and intolerance, voiced the Maldives condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, especially those committed in the name of Islam.
While focusing on international issues that are important to the global Islamic community, Minister Shahid reiterated the support of Maldives to an independent and sovereign Palestinian State, while also calling for unhindered access for humanitarian aid for the Rohingya people in Myanmar.
During his visit to Abu Dhabi, Minister Shahid will conduct a number of bilateral meetings with his counterparts in the OIC and will meet with the Secretary-General of the OIC.
Maldives became a Member State of the OIC in 1976, which comprises of 57 largely Muslim countries. Maldives is also in the process of conducting multiple activities of the OIC in the country, including the process to accede to the Statute of the OIC Women's Development Organisation, amongst others.