President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced a news conference after 515 days of avoiding journalists.

Speaking on his weekly podcast, Muizzu said he would meet with journalists on May 3, which marks World Press Freedom Day.

"I have now decided, on May 3, which is Press Freedom Day. On that day, I will hopefully meet with journalists. Meet with journalists. Meet with the media and hold an official press conference at the President's Office," he said.

Muizzu invited journalists and the media to prepare for the day and said he was prepared to face all questions.

This is the second press conference since Muizzu assumed office in November 2023. The first press conference was held on December 5, 2023, at the President's Office.

Muizzu also said he is willing to participate in a talk show if invited by a TV station.

Despite his remarks today, Muizzu has been maintaining a distant relationship with journalists since coming to power.

An independent MP, who supports his government, proposed a bill to allow the government to control the media. But it was withdrawn after backlash.

He also phoned Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and threatened him. The matter was investigated by the police and the Maldives Media Council (MMC).

International organisations expressed concern over the intimidation.

The government exerted a lot of influence on the MMC in connection with last year's Journalism Award and the President's Office submitted multiple complaints to the MMC.