Mariyam warns president's foreign visits are damaging Maldives' interests

Former Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi has accused President Dr Mohamed Muizzu of damaging the Maldives' interests through his official visits abroad, warning that his foreign policy could expose the country to regional security risks.

Speaking at a rally organised by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Wednesday evening, Mariya criticised the President's diplomatic engagements and called for greater accountability over his foreign policy decisions.

She claimed that Muizzu had caused damage to the Maldives following each of his official overseas visits.

"President Dr Mohamed Muizzu should be summoned before Parliament and prevented from leaving the country. Do you know why? Every time he returns from an official visit abroad, he brings back damage to this country that cannot be measured," Mariya said.

The former minister cited several of Muizzu's foreign visits, alleging that his actions had affected the Maldives' relations with other countries.

She claimed that Muizzu's first visit to Türkiye after assuming office had angered Saudi Arabia, which she described as one of the Maldives' main development partners.

She also criticised his visit to China, alleging that his subsequent statements and actions had damaged relations with neighbouring India.

Mariya further claimed that remarks made during a visit to the United Arab Emirates had caused dissatisfaction among other countries.

Turning to the President's recent visit to Pakistan, she accused him of drawing the Maldives into tensions between India and Pakistan.

"Isn't it time to stop him from leaving the country?" she asked.

Mariya said Muizzu should clarify the Maldives' position following remarks made by Pakistan's Prime Minister during his visit.

She argued that the President's failure to respond when the Pakistani leader discussed disputes with India could allow others to interpret his silence as agreement.

According to Mariya, Muizzu should publicly explain the discussions and clarify the Maldives' position to prevent misunderstandings.

She warned that the Maldives could face consequences if it became involved in disputes between India and Pakistan.

"Pakistan is a powerful country, and India is also a powerful country. If their military tensions are brought into our region, then despite all the talk of sovereignty and independence, President Dr Muizzu will bear the greatest responsibility for the damage," she said.

"This is a frightening matter. It is something that requires serious consideration. This is not something to joke about."

Mariya also referred to India's response to agreements signed between the Maldives and Pakistan during Muizzu's visit.

India has said it is closely monitoring developments relating to the agreements and will take measures it considers necessary to protect its national security.

The former Defence Minister cited the statement as evidence of the potential implications of the Maldives' engagement with Pakistan.

She said the Maldives should maintain relations with all countries but stressed the importance of following established principles when conducting foreign policy.

Mariya argued that diplomatic relations should be managed in a manner that protects the Maldives' sovereignty, security and national interests without drawing the country into disputes between other nations.