Former President Mohamed Nasheed has reiterated that his stance is not against Russia but in support of peace, following remarks by Russian Ambassador to the Maldives, Levan S. Dzhagaryan.
The ambassador had criticized Nasheed for expressing pride in the Maldives' vote in favor of Ukraine at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution on the Russia-Ukraine war. In response, Dzhagaryan stated that he was surprised by Nasheed's comments, emphasizing that Russian tourists make up a significant portion of the Maldives’ tourism industry.
Addressing the matter in a post on X, Nasheed clarified that his remarks were not meant as a position against Russia but rather an endorsement of peace. He expressed regret if his comments had caused any concern and reassured that the Maldives highly values Russia’s contributions to the country, particularly in tourism.
"As you know, the Maldives is a small nation, and we do not want to be caught up in rapidly changing geopolitics. The position that the Maldives took is a position that the country always maintains, given that we are a small state," Nasheed stated.
He further extended warm Ramadan wishes to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the people of Russia, and Ambassador Dzhagaryan.
Following Nasheed’s clarification, the ambassador responded, thanking him and reaffirming Russia’s respect for all nations, regardless of their size. He also emphasized Russia’s support for peaceful resolutions in Ukraine, Gaza, and Syria.
The ambassador had criticized Nasheed for expressing pride in the Maldives' vote in favor of Ukraine at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution on the Russia-Ukraine war. In response, Dzhagaryan stated that he was surprised by Nasheed's comments, emphasizing that Russian tourists make up a significant portion of the Maldives’ tourism industry.
Addressing the matter in a post on X, Nasheed clarified that his remarks were not meant as a position against Russia but rather an endorsement of peace. He expressed regret if his comments had caused any concern and reassured that the Maldives highly values Russia’s contributions to the country, particularly in tourism.
"As you know, the Maldives is a small nation, and we do not want to be caught up in rapidly changing geopolitics. The position that the Maldives took is a position that the country always maintains, given that we are a small state," Nasheed stated.
He further extended warm Ramadan wishes to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the people of Russia, and Ambassador Dzhagaryan.
Following Nasheed’s clarification, the ambassador responded, thanking him and reaffirming Russia’s respect for all nations, regardless of their size. He also emphasized Russia’s support for peaceful resolutions in Ukraine, Gaza, and Syria.
