President tells Palestinian PM Maldives will remain steadfast in support

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed the Maldives' unwavering support for the Palestinian people during a meeting with Dr Mohammad Mustafa, Prime Minister of the State of Palestine, on the sidelines of COP31 in Antalya, Turkiye.

According to the President's Office, the President conveyed the Maldives' unconditional solidarity with the Palestinian people and reiterated the country's continued support for their struggle for freedom, dignity, justice and self-determination.

The President said the Maldives' position reflects the country's deeply held national convictions and longstanding commitment to justice and humanity. He further assured that the Maldives would remain steadfast in advocating for the rights of the Palestinian people.

During the meeting, the President reiterated support for the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also stressed that the Maldives would continue to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people until justice, freedom and lasting peace are achieved.

ރައީސުލްޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާ، ފަލަސްތީނުގެ ބޮޑުވަޒީރާ ބައްދަލުކުރެއްވުން #MaldivesAtCOP31 #COP31 https://t.co/bm6iWlPZi7

— The President's Office (@presidencymv) November 12, 2026

The Maldives has consistently voiced support for Palestinian statehood and the Palestinian people's right to self-determination. The latest meeting comes as the government continues to advocate for the Palestinian cause in international forums.

The President's support for Palestine has also come amid criticism from political opponents and some members of the public over allegations linking Israelis to the government's flagship Rasmalé project, which is being developed by UAE-based Eagle Hills. The government has repeatedly denied the allegations, while the President has stated that, apart from Maldivians, the reclaimed island would be inhabited only by Muslims from other countries.

Following the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, the Maldives imposed a ban on entry using Israeli passports. The President later announced his intention to make the prohibition permanent.