President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has asserted that as one of the closest allies of Maldives, neighboring India has always provided invaluable assistance to the government of Maldives in times of great need and that his administration would put in every effort to strengthen ties and take the historic relations between both countries to newer heights.

The president said this while speaking at the ceremony held to officially handover 28 water and sewerage facilities established under the Exim Bank’s Line of Credit Facility, to the Maldivian government on Saturday.

The ceremony was held as part of Minister of Indian External Affairs of India Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s ongoing official visit to the Maldives.

The Indian EAM officially handed over the successfully completed facilities to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Moosa Zameer on Saturday afternoon.

Taking the podium at the ceremony, Muizzu noted that these initiatives would pave the path for significant economic benefits, boost the local economies and contribute to the prosperity of the island nation.

Adding that these projects are key milestones in the bilateral relationship Maldives has with India, Muizzu extended profound gratitude to Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, as well as the government and friendly people of India for their generous and continued assistance to the Maldivian government and people.

Shedding light on the High Impact Community Development Projects funded by the Indian Grant Assistance, Muizzu noted that they mirror the close engagement of the two neighboring countries in socioeconomic development.

Highlighting that several revolutionary initiatives are presently underway as part of this initiative, Muizzu stated that the plan was to accelerate the delivery of these services to communities across the Maldives.

Extending appreciation for the flexibility the government of India offered in restructuring the line of credit arrangement, Muizzu shed light on the centuries of friendship, mutual respect, and a strong sense of kinship that have nourished the relations between both countries.

Noting that Maldivians value the deep and historic ties with the people of India, Muizzu reiterated the people’s commitment to preserve and enhance these bonds.

Going on to express enthusiasm, Muizzu stated that he believes cooperation between the two countries would continue to develop in the future.

The Maldivian leader also extended gratitude to Jaishankar for the efforts made to enhance ties.