Mr. Chairman, Mr. Secretary General, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Assalam Alaikum Warahmathullahi Wabarakaathuh,
Allow me at the outset, to extend to His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, my delegation's sincere congratulations on his assumption of the high office of the Chairmanship of the forty-sixth session of the Council of Ministers.
At a time when our Ummah is facing tremendous challenges, we draw confidence in seeing such a distinguished personality of his caliber at our helm. It is not only a well-deserved tribute to his personal statesmanship, diplomatic skills and experience, but also an added recognition of the prominent role played in world affairs by this great country.
My sincere gratitude to you Mr. Chairman, and the Government of UAE for the excellent arrangements made for the meeting and the warm hospitality extended since our arrival.
Let me also take this opportunity to express the appreciation of my delegation to the distinguished Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, for the exemplary manner in which he discharged his onerous responsibilities during the past session.
I would also like to express our deep appreciation to the Secretary-General and his staff, for his untiring and dedicated efforts to promote the objectives of the Organization.
Mr. Chairman,
The people of Maldives made a historic decision last year, in electing President Solih to the highest office in the country with 58% of the popular vote. With this change of Government, Maldivians have now embarked on a new era of democracy and freedom, epitomized by the notion of “Jazeera Raajje”, or “Island Nation” - to be able to live in dignity, without fear; to further advance the rights of our people, to ensure that they are able to prosper safely and securely in an environment that is free from the ills that continue to plague so many of our societies. The foundations of our democratic norms are steeped in Islamic tradition - Shura, meaning consultation. It is on the basis of this important principle that the Maldives has embarked on a process of meaningful consultation and deliberation with the local communities and the constituents under its care.
As a 100 per cent Muslim country, the OIC has always been an important organization for the Government and people of the Maldives. The Maldives will always remain steadfast in its support for this instrumental organization and the questions that are discussed within it. We will work towards strengthening our cooperation in the fields of human rights, commerce, on information exchange and on capacity building. We believe, given the historic and extraordinary nature of this organization, there is much we can learn from one another, for the benefit of our peoples and our countries.
I am pleased to announce that the Maldives will soon open its first diplomatic post in Jeddah, through which we will be able to engage more closely and contribute more constructively to the work of the OIC.
Mr. Chairman,
As we embrace this auspicious occasion of Golden Jubilee of the OIC, let us make a pledge to unite and further strengthen the principles and values that govern this esteemed organization. We wish to make every effort to bring peace and prosperity to the Muslim Ummah in defining our future for the next fifty years. Our faith, our historic and ancient relations and our belief in the principle of consultation is what unites and bring us together.
The Maldives commends the efforts of the OIC to transform and protect the image of Islam and to fight against radical ideologies that go against Islamic teachings. Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance; it must be inscribed to both in scripture, and in practice. However, the Islamic Ummah is being challenged by the growing menace of violent extremism and increasing radicalization. We need to take more concrete steps in countering these negative trends through closer partnerships and cooperation amongst the membership of this august organization. The Maldives strongly condemns and rejects all acts of terrorism in all forms and manifestations, committed by any terrorist group or individual. We particularly denounce acts of terrorism committed in the name of Islam. Terrorism is a dreadful act which attacks the values of unity, respect and freedom and directly contradicts the values and teachings of Islam. It is a global threat that requires a global solution. The Maldives is fully committed to working closely with its neighbours, and the wider international community, as part of a comprehensive and coordinated approach to combat terrorism.
We must also counter the nefarious Islamophobia that has taken root in so many countries around the world. Hatred, prejudice and intolerance knows no colour, race or nationality. It is a common problem that must be addressed collectively through greater collaborative efforts, through awareness and understanding.
Mr. Chairman,
The Maldives has on several occasions, raised its concerns regarding the plight of our brothers and sisters in Palestine. I have just recently concluded a visit to Geneva, to attend the High Level Segment of the Human Rights Council, where I contended on behalf of the Maldivian people, that we will always support the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. The Maldives strongly believes that a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, can only be brought about by adopting the international consensus on a two-state solution, with an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, based on the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its Capital, living side by side and in peace with its neighbors.
We remain troubled by the escalating humanitarian situation on the ground in both Syria and Yemen, but mostly, on the plight of young women and children caught in the crossfire, who will continue to bear the scars of conflicts for decades to come. This is a situation we must do our utmost to avoid, and to find a solution to alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians.
Additionally, the situation in Myanmar remains of deep concern to the Maldives. We fully condemn the atrocities that have been carried out against the Rohingya people, and the communal violence in Rakhine State.
We strongly urge the Government of Myanmar to provide rapid and unimpeded access to non-governmental organizations and UN agencies, in accordance with international human rights and humanitarian law, and create a conducive environment for the return of these displaced persons to their rightful homes.
Mr. Chairman,
Advancement of women and protection of children are important priorities for the Maldives. It is for this reason that the Maldives Government has initiated the process of acceding to the Statute of the OIC Women’s Development Organisation and on the implementation of the OIC Plan of Action for Advancement of Women. We remain fully committed to ensuring that we fulfill all the requirements to be a State Party to the Statue and to participate meaningfully in the discussions relating to the advancement of women.
As one of the most low-lying States in the world, climate change and global warming pose an existential threat to our small and scattered islands. Many OIC member States are also facing similar environmental threats that endanger their developmental efforts and the full enjoyment of their human rights.
We therefore believe that OIC should and indeed can play a more active and meaningful role in the international debate on environmental issues.
Mr. Chairman,
The Maldives is looking to engage and cooperate with all our partners in this organization and beyond, to further the noble principles of the OIC and wide humanity. The commitment of the Maldives to the OIC, as I have just outlined will be realized fully, and we will commence immediately to contribute to a renewed impetus of re-engagement that will see the Maldives take its obligations with due diligence and seriousness, as a responsible member of the international community.
Thank you Mr. President.