Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel has urged for a more inclusive multilateral system that ensures a greater role for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Speaking at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman, Dr Khaleel called for reforms that reflect the needs of developing nations, including a rotating non-permanent seat for SIDS at the UN Security Council.
The conference, held from 16-17 February 2025, brought together high-level officials and experts to discuss regional security and cooperation. Dr Khaleel reiterated President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s call for a reformed multilateral system that is both representative and effective. He highlighted the need to end the use of veto power at the Security Council, arguing that the institution must evolve to address contemporary global challenges.
Addressing the Maldives’ strategic location in the Indian Ocean, Dr Khaleel emphasised the importance of resilience and collective security. He pointed to key threats such as climate change, cyberattacks, and maritime crime, advocating for stronger South-South cooperation alongside broader regional and global partnerships to address these issues.
Dr Khaleel shared the panel with Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, Seychelles’ Minister for Internal Affairs Errol Fronseka, Brunei’s Foreign Minister Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof, and UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh. The session was moderated by former Indian Union Minister Suresh Prabhu.
Established in 2016, the Indian Ocean Conference is an annual platform that gathers government officials, private sector representatives, and scholars to discuss peace and security in the region. This year’s edition is held under the theme Voyage to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership.
