Muizzu returns after Abu Dhabi visit

President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has returned to Maldives after an unofficial visit to Abu Dhabi.

Muizzu, who left for Abu Dhabi on Monday morning, returned to Male’ City on Tuesday night.

Muizzu had also traveled to Singapore on October 30. He returned on Sunday. That too had been an unofficial visit.

Muizzu, who is set to take office on November 17, has yet to announce where he plans on making his first official visit to.

Traditionally, the first official trip to a bilateral partner has always been to India.

Muizzu, who built his presidential campaign on the promise of expelling Indian military personnel from the Maldives, has been described in international media as a “pro-China” politician. He has dismissed the claims, portraying himself as “pro-Maldives” instead.

Muizzu said that though he intends to hold frank and detailed diplomatic consultations with India to work out details of sending back military personnel from the Maldives as soon as possible, he would make it a priority to ensure that Maldives relations with India thrive.

He has stated that his administration will foster close relations with all countries that respect Maldives’ independence and sovereignty.