On Saturday, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu upheld his administration's foreign policy strategy, asserting that the Maldives is dedicated to a "Maldives First" agenda while sustaining diplomatic ties with every nation apart from Israel.

During the official event celebrating the country's 61st Independence Day, the President stated that his administration's foreign policy is directed by national interests and mirrors the opinions of the Maldivian citizens.

He underlined that the administration stays steadfastly committed to the Palestinian cause and will maintain its current stance as long as violence against Palestinians continues.

As long as the atrocities and genocide targeting the Palestinian people persist, and definitely while this administration’s foreign policy is in effect, we will uphold this stance. With immense pride, we concluded, in harmony with the feelings and spirit of our citizens, that those holding Israeli passports will not be allowed to enter this lovely land,

President Dr. Muizzu stated:

"The President mentioned that the choice to prohibit Israeli passport holders from entering the Maldives was made due to public sentiment and aligned with the government's wider foreign policy goals."

In his speech, Muizzu criticized the foreign policy approach of earlier administrations headed by the opposing Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

He contended that the nation’s diplomatic stance regarding Israel varied considerably during the time the MDP held power.

When the MDP government was in control here, the circumstances were completely reversed. This is a clear truth. A pro-Israel policy was enacted at that time, simultaneously creating distance from Arab and Islamic countries. This is a route that does not align with the Maldivian people; it was a foreign policy completely disconnected from our values,

President Dr. Muizzu commented

The President stated that during the MDP era, Maldives upheld ties with Israel.