Muizzu departs on unofficial visit to Abu Dhabi

President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has departed on a visit to Abu Dhabi.

Muizzu’s spokesperson Mohamed Firuzul Abdul Khaleel told Sun that the president-elect departed to Abu Dhabi on Monday morning.

He said it was an unofficial visit, and did not disclose details – including when Muizzu is expected back in Male’.

Muizzu, who is set to take office on November 17, has yet to announce where he plans on making his first official visit to.

Traditionally, the first official trip to a bilateral partner has always been to India.

Muizzu, who built his presidential campaign on the promise of expelling Indian military personnel from the Maldives, has been described in international media as a “pro-China” politician. He has dismissed the claims, portraying himself as “pro-Maldives” instead.

Muizzu said that though he intends to hold frank and detailed diplomatic consultations with India to work out details of sending back military personnel from the Maldives as soon as possible, he would make it a priority to ensure that Maldives relations with India thrive.

He has stated that his administration will foster close relations with all countries that respect Maldives’ independence and sovereignty.