The Maldivian government has stated that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East does not pose a direct military threat to the country at present.
Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon reaffirmed that the Maldives will not allow its airspace or facilities to be used for military purposes, maintaining a neutral stance since the conflict began. He also noted that efforts are ongoing to strengthen national defence capabilities, particularly in safeguarding the country’s maritime and airspace boundaries.
Addressing questions on international requests, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel said such matters are not disclosed publicly out of diplomatic respect.
Officials also outlined measures being taken to minimise the economic and social impact of the conflict. Minister Khaleel said the government is closely monitoring developments and prioritising the stability of essential supplies, particularly fuel and food, given the Maldives’ reliance on imports. Efforts are underway to secure alternative supply sources and expand storage capacity, while contingency plans—including possible expenditure reductions—are being considered if the situation persists.
He added that the government is also working to ensure the safety of Maldivians abroad, confirming that several students in the region have already been relocated to safer locations.
Meanwhile, Minister of Finance and Planning Moosa Zameer assured the public that there are no plans to increase fuel prices in the near future despite rising global oil costs. He said the government remains committed to maintaining price stability and ensuring uninterrupted access to essential goods and services.
Zameer confirmed that the Maldives currently has sufficient fuel reserves, with additional shipments already secured and expected to arrive in the coming weeks. He also noted that the government is exploring measures, including the use of State Trading Organization (STO) resources, to cushion the impact of global price increases while protecting both consumers and businesses.
The government emphasised that it remains focused on maintaining economic stability, safeguarding public services, and ensuring that any policy decisions taken during this period do not place additional burdens on citizens.
