President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said today that the days when the Maldives’ foreign policy was treated as somebody’s “puppet” are gone, and that such an approach brought no good to the nation.

Speaking at the official ceremony held to mark the 61st Independence Day of the Maldives, the President said the foreign policy pursued by this government is very clear, and if stated briefly in English, it would be called the “Maldives First Foreign Policy.”

“There have been times when the Maldives’ foreign independence was kept under someone else’s hand or under their power. To put it in plain terms — a puppet foreign policy. That is not a good path for this nation,” the President said.

The President noted that it is this government’s aim to work with every party that wishes to maintain close ties with the Maldivian people, alongside a policy that prioritizes Maldivians and brings good to the country. He said the Maldives is the country of proud Maldivians, and that Maldivians must come first in this nation.

In addition, the President said that under the “Maldives First Foreign Policy,” the Maldives will maintain diplomatic relations with every country in the world except Israel. Noting that the Maldivian nation does not accept the atrocities being committed against the people of Palestine, the President said the deepest chords of the hearts of Muslim brothers and sisters are tied to the struggle of the beloved people of Palestine.

The President said that as long as such oppression continues in Palestine, and as long as this government’s foreign policy remains in force, no diplomatic ties will be maintained between Israel and the Maldives. He further said that, in line with the pulse and sentiments of the Maldivian people, no tourist travelling on an Israeli passport will be permitted to enter the Maldives, and that this decision will be upheld.