EAM Sushma Swaraj calls on Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih today before concluding her two-day visit to Male.
Sushma Swaraj also held meeting with country’s home minister and leader of Adaalath party Sheikh Imran Abdulla. She met her Maldivian counterpart Abdullah Shahid and had a joint ministerial meeting yesterday where the latter reiterated his Government’s “India-First Policy” and said that the Government of Maldives would remain sensitive towards India’s security and strategic concerns.
A joint statement at the end of visit mentioned that three agreements were signed on visa facilitation for diplomatic and official passport holders, development cooperation and renewable energy.
Maldives foreign minister expressed his government’s appreciation for the continued support extended from India towards the development of human resources, including capacity building programmes, and provision of training and scholarship opportunities.
He noted the key role that India continues to play in the socio-economic development of the Maldives. Mrs. Swaraj reiterated that India attaches the highest importance to its relationship with Maldives, which is marked by trust, transparency, mutual understanding, and sensitivity.
She said that in line with Government of India’s neighbourhood First policy, India stands ready to fully support the Government of Maldives in its socio-economic development.
Both Foreign Ministers agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region, and to strengthen coordination in enhancing regional maritime security.
EAM thanked the Maldives for its steadfast support against terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations.Welcoming the increase in trade volume over the past few years, both Foreign Ministers agreed to improve connectivity as a means to promote the exchange of goods and services, culture, and people.
The Ministers also agreed on the need to boost private sector involvement, and agreed to hold the Maldives-India Business Forum this year.
