President Muizzu meets Palestinian President Abbas, reaffirms Maldives' solidarity with Palestine

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has met with the President of Palestine, Dr Mahmoud Abbas on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly on Monday.

During the meeting, the President of Palestine called for global support and cooperation to address Israel's ongoing genocide in Palestine, President’s Office said.

Speaking to reporters following the meeting, President Muizzu had reaffirmed the Maldives' unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and pledged the Maldives' continued efforts to secure international recognition of Palestine as an independent nation.

"No Maldivians hold any other belief. The Maldives will stand by Palestine at all times," President Muizzu stated.

"We are always aware of the Maldives' support for the Palestinian people, and we deeply appreciate your unwavering solidarity," President Abbas said, expressing his gratitude for the Maldives' long-standing support.

Since his appointment in November 2023, President Muizzu has consistently expressed solidarity with Palestine. He has condemned Israeli attacks on Palestine on multiple occasions which have resulted in high civilian casualties.

State media PSM organized a telethon titled “Palestine aa eku Dhivehin” (Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine) on May 12 at the initiative of President Muizzu. The event, held across several islands, raised over MVR 19 million (USD 1.2 million) through donations from various government institutions, schools, private individuals, and companies. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the funds raised during the telethon were deposited directly into the account of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in August.