Vice President of the Maldives Faisal Naseem has said that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's primary objective in foreign policy is to preserve peace and stability in the Indian Ocean.
Speaking at the Indian Ocean Conference in Dhaka, the Vice President said that the Maldives government prioritizes social and economic stability and development in the Indian Ocean.
According to Faisal, the Indian Ocean is home to some of the world's fastest-growing economies, and President Solih's administration prioritizes social and economic harmony in the region. He also emphasized that maintaining peace and order in the region is not the responsibility of any one nation alone.
"All countries [in the region] are equally responsible for maintaining peace and order in the Indian Ocean, preserving the environment, and upholding international law," Faisal said.
He also highlighted that acts of terrorism, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and illegal fishing activities posed significant challenges in maintaining order in the region.
The Vice President further said that people living in the tropical countries in the Indian Ocean are most affected by climate change and environmental impact.
“Maldives will give top priority to maintain peace and harmony in the Indian Ocean and to promote sustainable fishing practices,” he said.
“Maldives is also committed towards sustainable development and equal development opportunities for the countries in the region.”
Vice President Faisal called on the countries in the region to prioritize conflict resolution and build mutual ties based on respect and trust to achieve sustainable peace.
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