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Maldives raises its voice on rights of Muslims, says Foreign Minister

The Maldives has always raised its voice on the rights of Muslims, including those of the Palestinian people, the Maldives’ Foreign Minister has stated.

During a virtual meeting with members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at the United Nations on Thursday, Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid highlighted the work being done by the Maldives since it became a member of OIC. The Minister said since joining the OIC in 1976, the Maldives has joined the Members in raising its voice on issues such as sustainable development, climate change, public health, and Islamophobia, terrorism and the rights of Muslims, including the Palestinian people, and women and children.

Minister Shahid also highlighted that the OIC has, since its formation in 1969, galvanized its Members into a unified body, and has always stood up for matters close to the hearts of more than 1.5 billion Muslims across the world.

During the meeting, Minister Shahid shared his perspectives on the sustainable recovery pathways from COVID-19, sustainable development, revitalization of the work of the General Assembly, and also highlighted the importance of working together to enhance the multilateral system and international cooperation.