In a recent interview with Bloomberg TV, President-elect Dr. Mohammed Muizzu of the Maldives expressed his country's desire to remain neutral and independent in the face of escalating political rivalry between major world powers. Muizzu, a former member of the PPP/PNC government, conveyed his commitment to preserving Maldives' sovereignty and avoiding entanglement in the geopolitical conflicts of larger nations.
Historically, the Maldives has maintained close ties with both China and India, depending on the government in power. Muizzu, who played a significant role in implementing China-funded construction projects during his previous term, is now poised to take the helm of the nation. This transition has sparked speculation that Maldives might shift its allegiance back towards China, considering the current MDP government's closer relations with India.
Muizzu's campaign against the presence of Indian troops in the Maldives, along with his statements about reviewing the status of Indian forces in the region, has raised questions about his potential stance on foreign relations. When confronted with these concerns by Bloomberg journalist Haslinda Amin, Muizzu was quick to refute the notion of being solely China-oriented. He emphasized the importance of respecting international rules and laws while collaborating with all countries.
"We don't want to get stuck in the political rivalry between countries, big or small. We are too small for that,"
President-elect Muizzu asserted, alluding to the ongoing tensions between India and China.
Muizzu’s comments underline Maldives’ determination to chart an independent course in a world characterized by competing geopolitical interests. As the nation prepares for a new leadership under President-elect Muizzu, its stance on international relations and alignment with global powers remains a topic of intense scrutiny and discussion.
Comments