President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the People's National Congress (PNC) continues to enjoy the strongest public support and trust in the Maldives, attributing this to the confidence the party has earned from the public in a relatively short period since its establishment.

Speaking at a ceremony in Dhaalu Meedhoo to celebrate the PNC's victory in the election for President of the Meedhoo Council, the President expressed his gratitude to party members and supporters who worked to secure the result, as well as those who contributed to the party's success in recent elections. He noted that the PNC had won the majority of elections it had contested since its formation and said these outcomes reflected growing public confidence in the party.

President Dr Muizzu said the PNC's political ideology is founded on protecting Islam while promoting peace, security, development and prosperity in the Maldives. He described these principles as the cornerstone of both the party and the Government's policies, adding that the Administration remains focused on translating them into tangible results for the people.

The President said the Government had made significant strides towards strengthening national security, maintaining stability and advancing development across the country. He also stressed the importance of remembering past decisions that affected national interests, alleging that a substantial area of Maldivian maritime territory had been relinquished by the previous administration without parliamentary approval and in contravention of the Constitution and existing laws.

He further stated that the current Administration is working to reclaim areas it believes were surrendered and to formally incorporate maritime zones claimed by the Maldives in accordance with domestic legislation and international legal obligations. According to the President, the process remains ongoing and involves considerable legal and financial commitments.

President Dr Muizzu also defended the Administration's "Maldives First" foreign policy, describing it as an approach centred on advancing the interests of Maldivians rather than aligning the country's foreign policy with the interests of any other state. He said the Government seeks to maintain constructive relations with countries that contribute to the development and wellbeing of the Maldives while safeguarding national interests.

Referring to relations with Israel, the President noted that the current Administration does not maintain diplomatic ties with the country and has imposed a ban on the entry of Israeli passport holders to the Maldives. He also criticised efforts by a previous administration to pursue closer ties with Israel, including proposals for direct air links and cooperation in other sectors.

The President further reiterated that Islam remains the foundation of the Administration's policies and stated that Government decisions continue to be guided by the objective of upholding Islamic values across all sectors of society.