Maldives foreing minister to begin India visit today

Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shahid will reach New Delhi Friday on his first official visit.

During his visit, he will meet with external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and other high level officials to discuss strengthening the traditionally close friendly relations between the Maldives and India.

The minister said in a message that he looks forward to very fruitful meetings which will further strengthen friendship and solidarity between the two countries and people.

This is the first high-level visit from Maldives after new government under President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih took over last week. During the visit of the foreign minister, the details of upcoming visit of President Solih to India will also come up for discussions.

Shahid is accompanied by Maldives minister of finance Ahmed Ameer and the Minister of economic development Fayyaz Ismail along with senior officials from his ministry.

President Solih had briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the dire economic situation facing Maldives after taking over office last Saturday.

Prime Minister Modi had assured President Solih of India’s firm commitment in assisting the Maldives to achieve sustainable social and economic development and the visit of foreign minister in working out details of cooperation.