Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel has said the Government is exploring measures to reduce public expenditure in order to shield citizens from the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Speaking at a press conference on behalf of the special cabinet committee established to address the effects of the Middle East situation, the minister said the Maldives is closely monitoring the impact of the conflict and that both immediate and long-term measures are being put in place.

Minister Dr Khaleel said ensuring the stable supply of oil and food remains the Government's top priority at this time. As the Maldives imports oil from the Middle East, he said consultations are underway with alternative markets to secure an uninterrupted supply. 

On food security, the minister said efforts are being made to expand the country's food storage capacity. The Government is also working to diversify its oil supply by reducing dependence on any single country, and has taken steps to broaden the markets from which essential food items are sourced.

Should the conflict continue, the Minister said the Government is prepared to implement spending cuts, while ensuring that such measures do not place an additional burden on the public.

The minister also addressed the situation of Maldivians abroad, saying the Government is actively working to assist its citizens in the region. Three students in the Fujairah area of the United Arab Emirates have been evacuated to safer locations. He urged all Maldivian students and residents in the region to remain vigilant and to follow the guidelines issued by local authorities.

Minister Dr Khaleel reiterated that the Maldives will not permit its airspace to be used for any activities related to the conflict.