International
Vice President Uz. Hussain Mohamed Latheef delivered the national statement on behalf of the Maldives at the 81st United Nations General Assembly on 25 September 2026. On the same day, when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address to the General Assembly, the Maldivian delegation, led by Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Irukesham Adam, protested, walked out of the hall, and boycotted. In addition, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan strongly condemned the genocide being carried out by Israel in Gaza during separate meetings. Furthermore, speaking at a high-level UN meeting in New York on 25 September 2026, the Vice President stated that the relationship between the Maldives and China is not merely confined to statements, but is a reality evident in infrastructure development and sustainable connections.
The Vice President of the Maldives delivered an important address at the United Nations General Assembly on 25 September 2026. In his speech, he highlighted key issues facing the Maldives and the international community, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts to promote global peace and sustainable development. The Vice President also emphasized raising the voice of small island developing states in the international arena, as well as the extent of international cooperation needed for their rights and development. Furthermore, the Vice President's remarks representing the Maldives at this session of the UN General Assembly were a significant address that demonstrated the priority given by the Maldives to safeguarding national and international interests.
During the United Nations General Assembly session held on Friday, 25 September 2026, as soon as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address, delegates from numerous countries, including the Maldives, walked out of the assembly hall. While many nations took this action to protest against the atrocities and war crimes committed by Israel, the Maldivian delegation also exited the hall to demonstrate that the Maldives stands firmly in solidarity with the Palestinian people. Due to this walkout boycott, Netanyahu was forced to proceed with his address amid heavy disapproval and before largely empty seats in the General Assembly. This step taken by the Maldives further demonstrated the nation's steadfast policy in advocating for the rights of Palestine on the international stage.
On Friday, September 25, 2026, the Foreign Minister of Turkey strongly condemned the brutal genocide being carried out by Israel in Gaza, Palestine. Noting that the attacks carried out by Israeli occupying forces against innocent civilians in Gaza are actions in clear violation of international law, the Turkish Foreign Minister called for an immediate halt to them. He also urged the international community to take swift and appropriate measures to protect the rights of the Palestinian people and to bring those responsible for these inhumane crimes to justice.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the close relationship between the Maldives and China is not limited to mere diplomatic statements, but is a tangible reality visible in the daily lives of the people. Speaking as the guest of honour at a ceremony held to mark China's National Day, he noted that the strength of the bilateral ties is demonstrated more by the tangible benefits achieved for the people than by signed agreements. In this regard, the President highlighted that China's assistance in various areas of economic and infrastructural development, in addition to the Sinamalé Bridge and housing projects, serves as bright evidence of the robust friendship between the two nations.