Ref: 2026/PR/41
Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdulla Khaleel concluded his participation in the Extraordinary Open-Ended Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Executive Committee, convened to address recent developments in the occupied Palestinian territory. The meeting was held on 26 February 2026 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia at the OIC General Secretariat Headquarters.
During the meeting Minister Dr. Khaleel delivered a statement underscoring that the meeting comes at a critical moment, as Palestinians continue to face ongoing occupation and dispossession, including the recent confiscation of land in the occupied West Bank under the designation of “state property.” He stressed that such actions seek to impose an illegal reality on the ground, expand settlements, and further deepen annexation efforts.
Minister also strongly condemned these measures, stating that they constitute serious violations of international law, undermine prospects for peace, and deny the Palestinian people their fundamental rights.
Reaffirming the Maldives’ principled position, Minister Dr. Khaleel also emphasized that the only lasting solution lies in the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
During the meeting Minister Dr. Khaleel was also able to engage in meaningful discussions with counterparts from across the Islamic world, exchanged views on one of the most pressing challenges facing our Ummah today. He also reaffirmed the Maldives’ steadfast commitment to the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and to live in dignity and security on their own land.
The Organization of the Islamic Cooperation, comprising 57 Member States, remains a strong advocate for the Palestinian cause and addresses the challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah. The Maldives has been an active member of the OIC since becoming a member in 1976.
ENDS