Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that bilateral cooperation is touching all aspects of Maldives.
The Prime Minister said this at the joint press conference with President Solih at the President’s Office on Saturday.
"Bilateral cooperation is touching all aspects of everyday lives in Maldives by providing water and sewerage systems, building community centers, providing emergency and ambulance services, student ferries, as well as agricultural and fisheries services"PM Modi
Prior to the press conference, the two leaders jointly inaugurated two projects – the Composite Training Center for the Maldives National Defense Force and the Coastal Surveillance Radar System to monitor and protect Maldives’ Exclusive Economic Zone.
PM Modi said that the two newly inaugurated projects will further enhance Maldives’ maritime security and boost India's relations with the Maldives.
He also said it was a great source of pride and happiness to have received Maldives' highest honour, the order of Nishan Izzuddeen.
Also, at the conference, President Solih congratulated PM Modi for his re-election and said that it was a pleasure and a privilege to receive the Prime Minister in Maldives for his first visit abroad since his re-election.
Thanking PM Modi for his government's assistance, President Solih said that the MoUs exchanged at the meeting and the two inaugurated projects will further develop the cordial relationship between Maldives and India.
He also said that the two countries have also decided to further develop consular engagements and travel system.
"The MoU signed today to establish a ferry system between Kochi and Kulhudhuffushi in Maldives will further strengthen business and travel cooperation between the two countries. We hope that these projects begin services as soon as possible"President Solih
PM Modi furthermore said that he and President Solih had "extensively" reviewed the Maldives-India bilateral cooperation, adding that they are both in agreement "on the future direction of our partnership."
