Muizzu: China does not interfere in domestic affairs, it’s how it should be

Maldivian president-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has praised China’s foreign policy, stating that it does not interfere in the domestic affairs of other countries.

Muizzu made the remarks in an interview to Al Jazeera – his first interview to the international press after winning the presidential runoff election on September 30.

In his interview, Muizzu said Maldives and China share age-old relations – relations which facilitated opportunities for the development of Maldives.

“I think Chinese policy towards the Maldives and the other countries is mainly how it should be. Not interfering with domestic issues, not putting us in this big question about how solvent it’s been...” he said.

Muizzu said he wants good relationship with all countries.

When asked about the expulsion of Indian military personnel in Maldives – which had been the main theme of Muizzu’s presidential campaign – he said that the presence of any foreign troops is a threat.

He said that he will engage in efforts to remove Indian military personnel from Maldives from day one.

I have met with Indian high commissioner a few days ago, during this transition period.  And in that meeting itself, I’ve mentioned that we need this to be our top priority, and they have positively noted that and they said they will work together with us to find a way,” he said.

Muizzu has rejected the portrayal of him in the international press as a “pro-China” leader.

At his victory rally last week, Muizzu described the incoming administration’s foreign policy as “pro-Maldives.” He said his administration would foster relations with all foreign governments that respect the policy.

The opposition PPM-PNC’s Muizzu won the presidential runoff election held on September 30 with 54 percent of votes, beating MDP’s Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the incumbent president, who won 46 percent.

Muizzu will be sworn into office on November 17.