Maldives Foreign Minister Warns Against Negative Remarks on Foreign Investments, Cites Risks to Diplomatic Ties

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Iruthisham Adam has strongly cautioned against making negative remarks regarding foreign investments in the Maldives, warning that such rhetoric directly threatens the nation's diplomatic relations and economic stability.

Speaking in an interview with local news outlet, Mihaaru, the Minister addressed the ongoing public and political discourse surrounding the ambitious USD 12 billion mega-project planned in Ras Male’ by the United Arab Emirates-based developer Eagle Hills.

Drawing from past political experiences, Minister Iruthisham recalled how narratives spread by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) during former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration ultimately derailed a major development project in Faafu Atoll backed by Saudi Arabia. Serving in the cabinet at the time, she noted that repairing diplomatic fallout with Riyadh required immense, sustained diplomatic effort.

“It disrupts bilateral foreign policy. It impacted our relations with that country. Therefore, in my view, given that the Maldives is a 100 percent Islamic country, damaging relations with such Islamic and Arab nations is harmful,” she said, adding that obstructing benefits meant for the Maldivian public due to self-interested rhetoric is entirely unacceptable.

Highlighting the geopolitical vulnerabilities of the region, the Minister pointed out that potential disruptions—such as tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz—could severely impact key Islamic nations that serve as the Maldives' largest donors. She specifically credited Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait with providing crucial assistance for the development of Velana International Airport.

“When those countries face constraints, the aid received by the Maldives will also be affected. Looking at it from that perspective, what is most vital for us is bringing in investments for the sustainable development of the Maldives,” she said.

Addressing the current fiscal climate, Minister Iruthisham noted that the administration inherited a heavy national debt, forcing the government to prioritise diligent debt servicing without defaulting. To successfully execute President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s comprehensive development agenda under such financial constraints, she emphasised that foreign aid and substantial investments remain indispensable.

Referencing the Eagle Hills-backed Ras Male’ venture, the Minister revealed that the staggering USD 12 billion project has already drawn significant international attention, noting that it was a point of avid curiosity among global leaders during her recent engagements at the United Nations in New York.

Dismissing political criticism as petty jealousy, Minister Iruthisham asserted that attempts to undermine the nation's foreign policy or sabotage monumental economic opportunities simply because a specific administration secured them is unjustified.

The transformative project is slated to feature extensive housing developments, a marina, and a wide array of auxiliary services designed to spur national growth. Minister Iruthisham offered strong assurances regarding the integrity of the negotiations led by President Muizzu.

“With an investment of this scale, by continuously holding discussions and negotiating, I do not believe President Dr Mohamed Muizzu would ever do anything that restricts the rights of Maldivian citizens, violates our Constitution, harms the interests of the Maldivian people, or deprives them of benefits,” she said.

“This government assumed office with a ‘Maldives First’ policy for the Maldivian people.”