President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said that despite being wrongly labeled as "pro-China," he remains "pro-Maldives."
In an interview with Bloomberg TV, in answer to a question about his foreign policy, Dr. Muizzu asserted that he is fundamentally "pro-Maldives" and not in favor of any specific foreign nation.
"I am wrongly labeled as pro-China," Dr. Muizzu said.
When asked about the rivalry between China and India, and China's attempts to increase its influence in the Indian Ocean, Dr. Muizzu emphasized that the Maldives would always adhere to international laws, norms, and regulations. He said that the Maldives, being a small nation, would refrain from engaging in competition between major countries.
"This nation is too small to become embroiled," Dr. Muizzu said, as he prepares for the presidential inauguration on November 17.
Dr. Muizzu affirmed his commitment to fostering strong ties with China, India, the United States, the Middle East, and other neighboring countries. However, he said that the concern would be the sovereignty of the country, including issues such as the presence of foreign troops in the Maldives and the nation's debt dependence on one country.
"The nation will come first. Maldives will come first. If we use the term 'pro,' we will [maintain] the pro-Maldives policy," Dr. Muizzu told Mihaaru News.
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