The Maldives has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its advocacy for the Muslim Ummah through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) while upholding justice.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government said the Maldives remains committed to strengthening cooperation with the OIC and working with its member states to advance issues of common importance. It added that the values upheld by the OIC closely align with those of the Maldivian people.

The ministry said the Maldives has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the organisation through its participation in OIC summits, meetings of foreign ministers and other high-level forums. It added that the country remains committed to protecting the interests of the Muslim Ummah.

The statement also highlighted the Maldives' continued advocacy for the rights of the Palestinian and Rohingya Muslim communities, as well as other Muslim communities facing hardship.

The ministry said the OIC has provided the Maldives with a platform to advocate on issues affecting small island developing states, including climate change, women's empowerment and expanding cooperation in tourism. It added that member states of the organisation have also contributed to the Maldives' economic development and efforts to address social challenges.

The ministry noted that the OIC, comprising 57 member states, continues to advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people and address issues affecting Muslim communities around the world.

The statement, issued to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Maldives' membership in the OIC, reaffirmed the country's commitment to further strengthening cooperation with the OIC while continuing to advocate for the interests of the Muslim Ummah and uphold justice. The Maldives joined the organisation in 1976.