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.
The Covid-19 pandemic has not been kind on anyone. Like many other nations we were also forced to fully close our borders for months. The result left both our economy and people in distress. Was it not for the generous assistance received in the form of budgetary support, medical assistance and supplies, and specially the CoviShield vaccine donated by the Government of India, our economic recovery would have been hard and long. The Air Travel Bubble arrangement enabled the flow of economic activity. The undisrupted supplies of essential medicines and commodities to the Maldives, is evident to the strong bond we share.”Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, President of Maldives.
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.
I would like to thank the Government of India, for facilitating the additional USD 100 million, for the USD 800 million Line of Credit through the EXIM Bank of India, which I am confident will be an added impetus to ensure the timely completion of important development projects, including the cancer hospital in Laamu Atoll Gan and the Hanimaadhoo Airport Expansion Project. We recognize and thank the Government of India for the continuous support to develop infrastructure and expansion of human resource development. We are pleased to add more agreements in various fields that will contribute to the development agenda, today.”Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, President of Maldives.
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.
I congratulated Prime Minister Modi for his initiative and leadership of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), International Solar Alliance and India’s pledge to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. We firmly believe climate action could only be achieved by international cooperation. Prime Minister and I discussed the issue of terrorism. We both reiterated our firm commitment to the work against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and strengthen cooperation to enhance maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region. I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to Your Excellency and the Government of India for the announcements made today to gift a second Landing Assault Craft and the replacement ship for the CGS Huravee that was gifted from the Government of India to the Maldives National Defence Force. I would also like to express my thanks for the announcement made today to gift 24 utility vehicles from the Government of India to the Maldives National Defence Force.”Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, President of Maldives.
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.
