Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel stated today that requests to use Maldivian airspace for the purposes of the war initiated in the Middle East, following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, have been denied.
Speaking at a press conference held this evening at the President's Office by the special cabinet committee established by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to coordinate measures and resolve difficulties Maldivians may face due to the Middle East unrest, Khaleel said the government will not grant permission to use Maldivian airspace for any purpose related to this war.
Khaleel stated that the government’s top priority at this moment is to protect the peace and the economy of the Maldives.
"Under this, I would like to state that Maldivian airspace has not been used by any country to attack any other country. And I would also like to state for your information that we are rejecting such requests as they come," Khaleel said.
Khaleel said that no country will be given permission to engage in hostilities using Maldivian airspace.
According to Khaleel, the government is also working to minimize the impact of this war on the Maldivian economy and to ensure that food supplies remain available without any difficulties. He mentioned that discussions are underway to import oil from various countries rather than relying on a single nation, in order to explore additional routes and ensure oil security.
Khaleel said that to ensure food security, the government is looking at markets in various countries across the world, holding discussions with nations to expand imports, and taking important steps to increase the National Food Storage capacity.
He noted that as main transit routes for tourists coming to the Maldives have closed due to the closure of airspace in Middle Eastern countries, the government is seeking new transit routes and holding discussions with new airlines to increase flights. He also mentioned that discussions are ongoing to increase cargo flights.
Khaleel stated that the government is also monitoring the condition of Maldivians in Middle Eastern countries through embassies, and that many people in those countries have already registered with the embassies.
