India is a key partner in the socioeconomic and infrastructural development of Maldives, says President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
The president said this while delivering a joint press statement at the press meet held after official talks with the government of India, as part of his ongoing official trip to the neighboring country.
Shedding light on the extensive discussions he held with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Muizzu said that discussions revolved around their successful developmental journey together as well as paving the path for future collaboration between the two countries.
Shedding light on the “A Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership” announced on Monday, the Maldivian leader said that this would include development cooperation, trade and economic partnerships, digital and financial initiatives, energy projects, health cooperation, as well as maritime and security cooperation.
Highlighting that India is a key partner in the socioeconomic and infrastructure development of the Maldives, Muizzu said that India has stood by the Maldives during times of need.
He further extended sincere gratitude to the Indian government, PM and people for the generous assistance and cooperation extended to the Maldives over the years, including the recent budgetary support in the form of rollover of T-Bills.
I am thankful for the Indian government’s decision to provide support in the form of INR 30 billion, in addition to USD 400 million bilateral currency swap agreement, which will be instrumental in addressing the foreign exchange issues we are currently facing. Our discussions today underscored a shared commitment to remain engaged on further measures that will bolster the Maldives’ economic resilience and stability.”Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of Maldives.
Stating that the people-to-people connections between Maldives and India have been the foundation of the ties between both countries, Muizzu said that several Maldivians travel to India for tourism, medical purposes, education and other needs.
Similarly, Maldives is also home to a large number of Indians who contribute to the development of the Maldives.
Noting that India is one of Maldives’ largest tourist source markets, Muizzu expressed hope to welcome more Indian tourists to the Maldives, which would in turn pave the way for shared growth and understanding between the people of the two neighboring countries.
Shedding light on the close collaborations by the two countries on the multilateral fora including seeking solutions to climate change and promoting sustainable development, the Maldivian president expressed hope for continued collaborations.
Further, Muizzu expressed full commitment to enhance cooperation with India across several sectors including high-level exchanges that foster deeper understanding and friendship between the two countries.
Stressing that a democratic, prosperous and a resilient Maldives is important for peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region, Muizzu added that India is an important partner in the maritime security domain due to the geographical nearness.
The ties between the Maldives and India are centuries-old as evident throughout our histories. Next year we will be marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between our two countries. I have invited Prime Minister Modi to undertake a state visit to the Maldives to commemorate this occasion.”Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of Maldives.
In conclusion, the Maldivian leader expressed confidence that the continued collaboration between both countries would lead to a brighter future and said that the government of Maldives remains a true friend to India.
Further, he said Maldives would remain committed to the shared vision of peace and development for both countries as well as the region.
