President Dr Mohamed Waheed has reassured public and the internationla community that the Maldives would continue to use its presence in all international organisations, including the UN Human Rights Council, to advocate the cause of Palestine. He made the statement in his speech at the state luncheon held at Kurumba Maldives in honour of the visiting President of Palestine, Dr Mahmoud Abbas.
“We will keep reminding the international community of its obligation to promote and protect the…fundamental rights of the Palestinian people”, said President Waheed. He further said that the Palestinian struggle remain in the hearts of Maldivians, mostly because of their commitment to justice, equality and the rule of law.
In his speech, President Abbas thanked the Maldivian government and people for the strong support to the Palestinian struggle for the establishment of an independent state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital. President Waheed reassured President Abbas of the Maldives' enduring support for the Palestinian nation and people, being commited to a two state solution that sees peace in the Middle East and the two nations living side by side.
At a joint press conference, President Dr Mohamed Waheed stated that international recognition of the State of Palestine was no barrier to the continuation of peace talks. While recognising that the security of Israel is equally important, President Waheed said that “only a viable and strong Palestine would enable Israel to achieve its own security”
He also expressed confidence that his visit to the Maldives would strengthen the close bilateral relations that exist between the two countries.
