Maldives’ Foreign Minister Calls for Collective Action on Palestine at Arab-Islamic Ministerial Meeting

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdulla Khaleel represented the Maldives at a high-level preparatory meeting of Foreign Ministers in Riyadh ahead of the Extraordinary Joint Arab-Islamic Summit set for November 11. The meeting, hosted by Saudi Arabia in partnership with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the League of Arab States, aims to address pressing issues in Palestine and Lebanon.

In his address, Dr. Khaleel voiced grave concerns over the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Palestine, denouncing the intensifying violence and alleged acts of genocide by Israel. He underscored the collective duty of the Islamic Ummah to alleviate Palestinian suffering, urging a move beyond statements of solidarity to tangible action.

Dr. Khaleel emphasized the importance of holding Israel accountable for breaches of international and humanitarian law, encouraging multilateral action across platforms such as the UN Security Council and the International Court of Justice. He reaffirmed the Maldives' commitment to cooperating with Islamic nations to seek justice and peace for Palestine, and reiterated support for establishing a fully sovereign Palestinian state along pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

As ministers and delegates prepare for the upcoming summit, the Maldives stands aligned with efforts to find lasting solutions for the Palestinian cause, which Dr. Khaleel described as crucial for long-term regional stability and justice.