Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel has urged for a more inclusive multilateral system that ensures greater representation for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in global decision-making.

Speaking at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman, on February 16-17, 2025, he reiterated President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s call for reforms to make international institutions more reflective of today’s global landscape.

Minister Dr Khaleel proposed the establishment of a non-permanent rotating seat for SIDS at the UN Security Council and called for the abolition of veto powers. He stressed that restructuring the Council was essential to addressing modern challenges effectively and ensuring its continued relevance.

Highlighting the Maldives’ strategic position in the Indian Ocean, the Minister outlined key security concerns, including climate change, cyber threats, and maritime crimes. He underscored the need for a unified approach to tackle these issues and called for stronger South-South cooperation alongside existing bilateral, regional, and global efforts.

Minister Dr Khaleel was joined on the panel by Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, Seychelles’ Minister for Internal Affairs Errol Fronseka, Brunei Darussalam’s Foreign Minister Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof, and the UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh. The session was moderated by former Indian Union Minister Suresh Prabhu.

The Indian Ocean Conference, established in 2016, is an annual forum bringing together government leaders, private sector representatives, and experts to discuss regional peace and security. The theme of this year’s conference was "Voyage to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership."