Male/New Delhi, Aug 10 (UNI) Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday reaffirmed his government’s full commitment to strengthening the close and historic ties with India, even as he held bilateral talks with visiting Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar that focused on bolstering ties in six key areas - economic, housing, defence, tourism, capacity development and infrastructure development.
During the meeting held at the President's Office, President Muizzu welcomed the Indian External Affairs Minister to the Maldives. President Muizzu reiterated his gratitude to the Indian government, for the warm and kind hospitality during his visit to India in June, to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated that extensive discussions focusing on enhancement of the bilateral relations were held during the visit.
EAM Jaishankar expressed appreciation to the president for attending the swearing-in ceremony, and conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Modi. He reaffirmed India's unwavering commitment in assisting the Maldives in all fields.
President Muizzu and Minister Jaishankar discussed the ongoing projects and steps taken to enhance bilateral relations in various fields. They discussed the implementation of existing projects, as well as areas for future collaboration, including in economic, housing, defence, tourism, capacity development and infrastructure development. The Maldives president also shed light on the long-lasting ties between the Maldives and India, affirming that the Maldives will remain steadfast in maintaining and enhancing the bilateral relations, psmnews.mv reported.
The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to support each towards the development and benefit of both countries, and for a prosperous and strengthened Maldives-India relations in the coming years.
Earlier, while addressing the ceremony held at the President’s Office to hand over the completed water supply and sewerage facilities on 28 islands in the Maldives, funded by the Government of India’s Line of Credit Facility through EXIM Bank of India, President Muizzu said these initiatives would provide significant economic benefits, boost the local economies, and together contribute to the nation's prosperity.
He said that these projects are key milestones in the Maldives' bilateral relations with India.
President Muizzu also emphasised the High Impact Community Development Projects built under Indian Grant Assistance demonstrate both countries' close engagement in socioeconomic development. He noted that numerous revolutionary initiatives are now underway as part of this initiative, and that the plan is to accelerate their delivery to communities. He expressed sincere appreciation for India’s flexibility in restructuring the Line of Credit arrangement.
During the ceremony, President Muizzu stated that India has always been one of the closest allies and invaluable partners, facilitating and providing aid whenever Maldives has needed it.
He extended deep gratitude to the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, the government, and the citizens of India for their generous and continued assistance to the Maldives.
President Muizzu concluded his speech by underlining that centuries of friendship, mutual respect, and a strong sense of kinship have enhanced the relations between the Maldives and India.
He further stated that Maldivians value the long-standing ties with the Indian people and are committed to its preservation and enhancement. He expressed optimism on seeing Maldives-India cooperation prosper and develop in the coming years. The president also conveyed heartfelt appreciation to Minister Jaishankar, for the efforts to strengthen relations between the Maldives and India. He noted that EAM’s visit portrayed the strengthening of bilateral relation.
In a post on X, the President said:
“It was a pleasure to meet @DrSJaishankar today and join him in the official handover of water and sewerage projects in 28 islands of the Maldives. I thank the Government of India, especially Prime Minister @narendramodi for always supporting the Maldives. Our enduring partnership continues to strengthen, bringing our nations closer through cooperation in security, development, and cultural exchange. Together, we build a brighter, more prosperous future for the region.”
EAM Jaishankar replied, saying:
“Thank you President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu for your kind words and gracious welcome.
“Committed to furthering India-Maldives ties”.
EAM Jaishakar is on an official trip to the Maldives from Aug 9-11.
UNI RN