Male, Nov 17 (UNI) Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Wednesday said that Maldives and India share a special relationship and no third nation can take India’s place.
He made the remarks during a meeting with new Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar who presented his credentials to the President at a ceremony held at the President’s Office.
After the ceremony, the President and High Commissioner spoke about strengthening friendly relations between the Maldives and India.
The President congratulated the new High Commissioner upon his appointment and welcomed him to the Maldives.
President Solih spoke about the close bilateral relations enjoyed by the two nations. He highlighted that the Maldives and India share a special relationship and that no third nation can take India’s place, said a presidential statement.
The new High Commissioner Munu Mahawar conveyed warm regards on behalf of the President and the Prime Minister of India. He praised the government of the Maldives for its achievements within the past three years, in particular, noting the efforts in controlling the spread of Covid-19 and the numerous strides in the economic recovery of the Maldives.
The President and the High Commissioner expressed their desire for further cooperation and assistance in all efforts towards the mutual benefit of both nations.
They also agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations, in areas of mutual interest, including socio-economic development, human resource development, security cooperation, and climate change.
The President stated that climate change is one of the most pressing issues for the Maldives and that the Maldives will continue to advocate for more ambitious action on climate change.
He commended Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his commitment at the COP26 summit, pledging to cut its emissions to net-zero by 2070.
In conclusion, the President expressed hope that both countries will continue to achieve greater heights under the High Commissioners' leadership.
Both the President and the High Commissioner stated their confidence in furthering the strong bond between the two countries.
The new Indian High Commissioner also paid a courtesy call on the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Khaleel.
At the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides exchanged views over ways in which the positive dynamism in the Maldives-India relationship can be sustained and further strengthened, a statement said.
UNI/RN