New Delhi: The Foreign Minister of Republic of Maldives H.E. Abdulla Shahid paid an Official visit to India from 24-27 November 2018. He was accompanied by H.E. Ibrahim Ameer, the Minister of Finance, H.E. Fayyaz Ismail, the Minister of Economic Development, H.E. Ahmed Khaleel, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and H.E. Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed, Foreign Secretary.
He held bilateral consultations with Smt. Sushma Swaraj, External Affairs Minister on 26 November 2018. He was called on Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, Defence Minister. He was called on Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji on 27 November 2018. The Foreign Ministers agreed that State Visit of President Solih to India will take place on December 17, 2018. In this regard, both Ministers held wide consultations to lay the groundwork for this visit.
EAM reiterated that India attaches highest importance to its relationship with the Maldives which is marked by trust, transparency, mutual understanding and sensitivity. She said that 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.
FM Abdulla Shahid reiterated his Government’s “India First” policy and said that his government looks forward to working closely with the government of India on all issues. He reaffirmed Maldives’ special, close and friendly relations with India. Minister Abdulla also reiterated that the government of Maldives will be sensitive towards India’s security and strategic concerns.
Both sides held discussions on how to strengthen the development partnership between both countries. India assured the Maldives of support in implementing its development priorities and in ensuring fiscal and budgetary stability.