The Gan International Airport (GIA) will act as a gateway for development of the entire south of Maldives, once the expansion project is completed, says Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid.
He made this remark during the inauguration ceremony of the GIA expansion project held in Addu city on Sunday.
The project is being carried out under the line-of-credit provided by the Exim Bank of India.
Taking the podium at the ceremony, FM Shahid stated that as the project is commemorated as a significant milestone in the development of the island nation, the country is also celebrating the truly beneficial and time-tested dividends of the partnership between Maldives and India.
Highlighting that the two countries have enjoyed decades of friendship, the foreign minister noted that the long-standing ties have been elevated to great new heights over the course of the past four years of the Solih administration.
He said that the immense generosity of the government of India is exemplified by the assistance worth of more than USD 2.8 billion extended to the government of Maldives during this term through various forms, including grants and lines of credit.
This project that we are breaking ground on today is one of the largest projects being undertaken with Indian financial support. Several such projects in Addu City and around the country are underway or have been completed on the Indian lines of credit or grants. Yesterday, President Solih inaugurated the Addu land reclamation project, which is being financed under the Indian line of credit.”Abdulla Shahid, Foreign Minister.
FM Shahid added that four tourism zones have been inaugurated in several parts of the southernmost city over the past two days.
Noting that the Addu road development project and the water sanitation project are proceeding at a steady speed, FM Shahid stated that the groundbreaking ceremony of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport Development Project was witnessed earlier in 2023.
Under the high-impact community development project schemes, several projects in various areas are bringing joy and “much needed” improvements to the communities across the country according to the foreign minister, who also noted that these projects mirror the president’s commitment to bring development to the island communities.
The foreign minister stated that in these efforts, India has been a constant partner and took the opportunity to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government, and the friendly people of India for the continued support extended to the development of Maldives and for the high regard placed upon this partnership.
FM Shahid also expressed gratitude to the Minister of External Affairs, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and the “very able” team at the High Commission for their commitment and dedication towards realizing these projects.
