President vows not to let relations with countries interfere with policy

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said that his administration will build relations with other countries in a way that does not interfere with Maldives’ foreign policy.

President Solih said this in a event held in New Delhi on Sunday evening to meet Maldivians living in India during his state visit.

President Solih said that Maldives’ foreign policy is aimed at preserving the nation’s interest and increase its security and wellbeing, and that he will build relations with other countries in a way that does not damage Maldives’ independence. He said that he will gratefully accept help from countries that offer to develop Maldives’ economic independence.

He also said that his foreign policy also includes helping strengthen ties between South Asian countries. He added that small nations such as Maldives can only guarantee its security by developing relations with the international community and that it was particularly crucial to develop relations with India for the security of the region.

President Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed at the event

President Solih noted that the previous government had deteriorated the decades-long relations with India, which caused numerous difficulties for Maldivians. Highlighting the issues with visas, he said that he will sign an agreement during his visit to allow Maldivians to receive a 90-day visa every six months and to allow Maldivians to change their tourist visa to medical in a sudden medical emergency.

The agreement will also allow those seeking long-term medical treatment to receive a visa for six months or one year and six months from the Maldives embassy in India, he said, adding that multiple-entry visas will be issued to Maldivian students and parents with under-18 children studying in India.

In his speech, President Solih further detailed how Maldivians will benefit from the visa agreement, which will be signed on Monday.