India's External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has expressed a desire to meet members of the political opposition during his second official trip to the Maldives.
Dr. S. Jaishankar who is on a two-day visit to the island nation declared his intentions in an exclusive interview with RaajjeTV on Saturday, confirming that India would always remain a well-meaning neighbour and ally to the Maldives. He also noted that political differences were to be expected in any country, and expressed hopes that he would be able to meet members of the political opposition in Maldives during his second official visit to the island nation.
During the interview, Dr. S. Jaishankar said that the relationship between India and Maldives had only gotten stronger as a result of the difficulties presented by the global Covid-19 pandemic. During his observations, he highlighted that the spirit of friendship between the two countries had grown as a result of mutual aid and understanding in these times of crisis.
"Every country has it's politics, I hope during my visit I will have an opportunity to talk to them [the opposition] and make sure they have a good understanding of what's happening."Dr. S. Jaishankar, on the diversity of political opinions in the Maldives
India's Minsiter of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar also revealed that one of the main goals of his second official visit to the Maldives was to further elevate diplomatic relations between India and Maldives to new heights. He declared that the the biggest joint accomplishments of the two countries were the trust and strong bonds which had been established between Maldives and India over the years.
"I think there's been a transformation, tremendous things happening in the [India-Maldives] relationship... the challenge of Covid has brought us even closer. has demonstrated how deep this relationship is. We stand by each other very closely, and very strongly. [This] chemistry between people, society, governments and leadership, you can't quantify it... it's something very deep."Dr. S. Jaishankar, on the dynamic relationship between Maldives and India
Five key agreements, including Memorandums of Understanding, have been signed between the Maldives and India on Saturday following Dr. S. Jaishankar's arrival to the country, including the Second Amendatory Dollar Credit Line Agreement, the MoU for Geydhoshu Mas Plant in N. Kendhikulhudhoo, an MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Sustainable Urban Development, and an MoU for Cooperation and Collaboration on Broadcasting, in addition to the signing of a Letter of Intent between Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation and Export-Import Bank of India.
Speaking on the upcoming India-aided development projects in the Maldives, Dr. S. Jaishankar expressed certainty that they would result in a concrete difference to the practical lives of the people of Maldives, and expressed happiness at being able to contribute to such an effort.
