Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid met with his counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, Riyad al-Maliki.

At the meeting in New York, held on the sidelines of the joint debate on the “situation in the middle east” at the United Nations General Assembly, Minister Shahid and Minister Al-Maliki reflected on the long history of bilateral relations between the two countries, and the fraternal warmth and affection shared between the people of Maldives and Palestine.

Foreign Minister Shahid reiterated the unwavering support of Maldives in advocating for full Palestinian statehood and the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination; and conveyed a message of solidarity from the President, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the people of Maldives to President Mahmoud Abbas and people of Palestine.

Minister al-Maliki thanked Minister Shahid for the sentiments and stated that the people of Palestine take strength from the people of Maldives in this difficult time. Minister Shahid further re-affirmed that the Maldives position on Palestine will remain unchanged and that it will continue to be a staunch advocate for protecting the human rights and dignity of the Palestinian people in the international arena.

Following the Israeli decision for a ceasefire, Minister Shahid took to Twitter last night saying that he welcomes the ceasefire agreed to, after 11 days of senseless violence.

"The support of the international community is needed now more than ever, in ensuring humanitarian support to Palestine and in realising the rights of Palestinian people, for lasting peace in the region." Minister Shahid said in his tweet.

He also discussed the plight of the Palestinians with his counterparts from Algeria, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Turkey condemning the Israeli assault.