President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said the Maldives has moved away from a foreign policy of dependence on a particular country, declaring that the approach has been “buried” over the past three years.

Speaking on PSM’s Nation Chat programme last night, President Muizzu was asked about allegations that successive governments since 2008 had weakened the country’s geopolitical position through dependence on a particular nation.

The President said his foreign policy was focused on pursuing what benefits the Maldives, stating that the country should not take sides in international disputes and should prioritize the interests of its people.

He also stressed the importance of maintaining close relations with Islamic countries.

“It is unacceptable for to be a puppet for a particular country. It is unacceptable for the people of Maldives. That policy has been slowly weeded out and buried over the past three years. The people will not allow it to be repeated in this country,” he said.

Referring to his recent visit to Pakistan, the first by a Maldivian president in 11 years, President Muizzu said the visit was aimed at identifying opportunities that would benefit the Maldivian people.

He said the Maldives would focus on strengthening bilateral relations with Pakistan but would not become involved in disputes between Pakistan and other countries.

The President added that the Maldives would not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries as part of its foreign relations.