The PPM-PNC presidential candidate Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has outlined a foreign policy strategy centered on fostering strong and balanced relationships with friendly nations.
Speaking at his manifesto launch held Sunday, Dr. Muizzu said the PPM-PNC government would shape its foreign policy in a way that prioritizes maintaining close relations with countries while also preserving the Maldives' independence. He stressed that his government would not align exclusively with any single nation.
Referring to India, Muizzu noted the influence of a specific nation on the current government. He said President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's government is influenced to the point that Maldives' affairs are dictated by another country. He expressed his commitment to avoid discrimination against any nation while setting clear boundaries for diplomatic ties and stressed that maintaining strong relations with the Maldives would require respecting the country's sovereignty.
"As long as we do not transgress beyond the limits set in our foreign policy, we will be equal counties. We will not praise one single country too much nor distance ourselves excessively," said Muizzu.
The presidential hopeful underscored his intention to uphold the Maldives' traditional practice of maintaining close ties with neighboring nations. He affirmed that foreign military presence on Maldivian soil would not be permitted and emphasized that Maldivians should have the power to decide their own affairs. While the Maldives is a UN-recognised nation, the people of Maldives should have the full right to maintain their sovereignty and independence, he said.
Muizzu further emphasized that if he was elected, he would not allow the Maldives to fall into the servitude of another country. He stressed that only the PPM-PNC, committed to prioritizing the interests of the Maldives, possesses the capacity to safeguard the nation's affairs in this manner.
