Pres. urges Indian investors to forge mutually beneficial partnerships with Maldives

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has urged investors from India to seize this opportunity as we work on building back better, to forge meaningful and mutually beneficial partnerships with the Maldives.

He said this in a Press statement delivered at the press conference held during his ongoing official visit to India.

As such, highlighting that the relationship between Maldives and India goes “beyond” diplomacy, the Maldivian president noted that the values, histories and cultures of both countries are entwined, thus making it a traditional relationship.

He added that the centuries-old relationship has only amplified over time with political trust, economic cooperation and coherent strategic polices between the two countries, noting that this affirms the close bond that has grown.

Going on to shed light on the Covid-19 pandemic, President Solih stated that Maldives was also forced to fully shut down borders due to the pandemic, like many others. This resulted in both the economy and people of Maldives plunging into distress.

President Solih highlighted that he took office with an ambitious development vision and that he appreciates the support and generosity of the Indian government towards realizing this vision and fulfilling the development objectives of the island nation.

Noting that discussions were held on ways to further expand and strengthen the relationship between both countries during the visit, the Maldivian president stated that the ground-breaking “pouring of the first concrete” ceremony of the Greater Male’ Connectivity Project and the construction of 4,000 Social Housing Units that were witnessed at the ceremony, mirrors the strong partnership.

He added that the moment was even more auspicious with the approval of the Exim Bank of India Buyer’s Credit funding of USD 119 million for construction of another 2,000 social housing units in Greater Male’ region.

With this, he thanked the Indian government for this facilitation.

The Maldivian president added that achieving economic resilience is “exceptionally” important to withstand the shock of unforeseen events.

With this, he shed light on the two interactive business-to-business events in Delhi and Mumbai organized by the governments in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry, bringing together selected prominent representatives of leading corporations from the Maldives and India.

He also added that the governments welcome the implementation of Rupay Cards in the Maldives and noted that he had agreed to consider further measures to boost bilateral travel and tourism and economic inter-linkages which could lead to mutual benefit of both countries.

Alongside bilateral matters relating to education, youth and sports, defence and security, fisheries, tourism, health and IT, the leaders also discussed international issues of mutual concern.

In his statement, the Maldivian president also reaffirmed that his administration has been “fully” committed to giving new heights to the relations between Maldives and India since assuming office.

He added that the ties will “always” be of the highest priority, adding that recent visits have brought a renewed sense of dynamism to the Maldives-India relations.

With this, he thanked the Indian PM for the “very” personal commitment shown in being a friend and partner to the Maldives, and wished the people of India peace, progress and prosperity.

President Solih concluded by reaffirming that Maldives will “always” remain a “true” friend of India and remains firmly committed to the shared vison of peace and development in both countries as well as the  region.