Maldives Seeks Active Leadership Role in OIC
Advocacy for Palestine forms a central pillar of the Maldivian delegation’s agenda for the session. | Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Maldives aims to assume an active leadership role within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Minister of Foreign Affairs Iruthisham Adam stated ahead of her official visit to Iraq.
Speaking in an interview with PSM News before departing for the 52nd session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, Minister Iruthisham outlined the archipelago’s strategic priorities within the bloc as the nation marks 50 years of OIC membership. Dr Ahmed Aldulaimy, Iraq’s Deputy Minister for Political Planning, received the Foreign Minister upon her arrival in Baghdad.
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Advocacy for Palestine forms a central pillar of the Maldivian delegation’s agenda for the session. Minister Iruthisham emphasised that the delegation will advocate for the formal recognition of Palestine as an independent and sovereign state. She urged member states to adopt stronger, binding declarations supporting the rights of the Palestinian people and called on the OIC to implement a cohesive action plan focused on international protection and humanitarian support.
The Foreign Minister reaffirmed the Maldives’ historic position on Palestinian rights, highlighting the nation’s consistent support for relevant resolutions at the United Nations General Assembly, the UN Security Council, and the UN Human Rights Council. She confirmed that the Maldives intends to sponsor and endorse upcoming constructive resolutions within these international bodies.
Beyond diplomatic advocacy, the conference agenda addresses key socio-economic challenges affecting the wider Islamic community. Discussions will focus on mitigating the fallout from regional conflicts, particularly regarding supply chain disruptions, food security, access to essential commodities, and transport logistics impacting small island developing states and member nations alike.
Minister Iruthisham plans to hold bilateral talks with Iraq’s Foreign Minister and representatives from other member states during the summit to deepen diplomatic ties and advance shared political and economic objectives.
The OIC comprises 57 member states working to safeguard the interests of the Muslim world. The Maldives joined the organisation in 1976.
