President criticises past decisions to cut ties with Iran, Qatar and Commonwealth

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Sunday criticised decisions taken during former President Abdulla Yameen's administration to sever diplomatic ties with Iran and Qatar and to withdraw the Maldives from the Commonwealth.

The President made the remarks while addressing a rally in Dh. Meedhoo held to mark the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) victory in the island's council president election.

After thanking supporters and campaign workers, Muizzu devoted a significant part of his speech to foreign policy, comparing the approaches of previous administrations with that of his government.

The President criticised policies pursued under the administrations of former presidents Abdulla Yameen, Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, arguing that foreign policy decisions had often been influenced by the interests of other countries.

"In the past, everything was done based on the wishes of a particular country. When they wanted it, we severed diplomatic relations with other nations. We even withdrew from international organisations," Muizzu said.

Without naming Yameen directly, the President said such decisions had been taken across several administrations.

Muizzu served as Minister of Housing during Yameen's administration when the Maldives cut ties with Iran and Qatar and withdrew from the Commonwealth.

The President said his administration follows a "Maldivians First" foreign policy and places national interests at the centre of decision-making.

"God willing, we are working with a policy to protect the nation's independence and sovereignty. I put Maldivians first; in my eyes, Maldivians will always come first," he said.

The Maldives ended diplomatic relations with Iran in May 2016 after the government stated that Iran's actions were affecting peace and stability in the Gulf region and had implications for the Maldives' security.

In June 2017, the Maldives severed diplomatic ties with Qatar. At the time, the government said the decision was linked to concerns over activities that promoted terrorism and extremism. The move came after Saudi Arabia and several other countries cut relations with Qatar.

The opposition at the time argued that the decisions concerning Iran and Qatar were influenced by Saudi Arabia. The Yameen administration rejected those claims.

The Maldives withdrew from the Commonwealth in October 2016 following disagreements with the organisation over governance and institutional reform issues.

Under the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the Maldives restored diplomatic relations with Qatar and Iran and rejoined the Commonwealth. Relations with Qatar and Commonwealth membership were restored early in Solih's presidency, while diplomatic ties with Iran were re-established in March 2023.