Palestinian and Maldivian foreign ministers meet in Munich to discuss Gaza ceasefire and strengthen diplomatic ties, reaffirming solidarity at the 2026 Security Conference.
Palestine and Maldives Push for Gaza Ceasefire:
As world leaders converged on Munich for talks on pressing security threats, Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin and Maldivian Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel seized the moment for a key bilateral meeting. They focused on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, stressing the urgent need for a comprehensive ceasefire and deeper ties between their nations. This encounter at the 62nd Munich Security Conference highlights the Maldives’ enduring backing of Palestine, amplifying voices for peace in a region scarred by conflict.
Palestine and Maldives Focus on Gaza and Bilateral Ties:
The meeting unfolded on February 15, 2026, against the backdrop of the Munich Security Conference, where global figures tackled issues from European defense to climate threats. Shahin and Khaleel, representing nations worlds apart geographically but aligned in principle, convened to address the Palestinian cause.
According to official accounts, Shahin expressed profound thanks to the Maldives for its unwavering stance in international forums, including humanitarian aid to Palestinians and a historic position on statehood. Khaleel, in turn, reiterated his country’s solidarity with the Palestinian people, underscoring the need for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza.
The dialogue covered the latest developments in the region, with a spotlight on Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Both ministers committed to advancing bilateral relations in areas like diplomacy and aid, building on decades of ties. The presence of Ambassador Arafeh added a layer of formal representation from Palestine’s side.
This was not a standalone event; it capped a series of engagements for both ministers at the conference. Khaleel, for instance, also spoke on sea-level rise risks, reflecting Maldives’ climate vulnerabilities, while Shahin met counterparts from Portugal and Canada to rally support.
Maldives-Palestine: Historic Ties and Humanitarian Support:
Maldives-Palestine relations date back to 1982, when diplomatic ties were established shortly after Maldives gained independence. As a Muslim-majority nation, the Maldives has consistently championed Palestinian rights, advocating for a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the capital, in line with UN resolutions.
Historically, under leaders like President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the Maldives condemned Israeli actions and avoided normalization. This stance intensified during the Gaza conflict, leading to a 2024 ban on Israeli passport holders-reinstated after a brief lift in the 1990s-as a protest against the war. The Maldives has provided aid, including plans for food donations, and held rallies in solidarity.
The Munich meeting gains significance amid ongoing Gaza tensions, where calls for ceasefire remain unmet. For Palestine, such engagements bolster international advocacy; for the Maldives, they align with its foreign policy of supporting oppressed peoples while navigating its own challenges like climate change.
Shahin, the first female Palestinian foreign minister appointed in June 2025, brings a background in human rights and academia, holding a PhD from the University of Pittsburgh. Khaleel, appointed in September 2024 after serving as health minister, draws from his parliamentary experience and medical expertise.
This dialogue at a security-focused forum like MSC-attended by over 500 leaders-signals how Palestinian issues intersect with global stability concerns.