President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has expressed gratitude to India for its continuous support in developing infrastructure and expanding human resource development in the Maldives. He made the remarks during a joint press statement delivered with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his ongoing visit to India.
In the statement held at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi, President Solih cited the ground-breaking Greater Male’ Connectivity Project (GMCP) and the construction of the 4,000 social housing units as an indication of the strong partnership. He also said that the approval of USD119 million in Buyer's Credit funding from the Exim Bank of India for the construction of another 2000 social housing units in the Greater Male' Region made the occasion even more auspicious. He thanked the Government of India for facilitating additional aid that would ensure the timely completion of important projects such as the Cancer Hospital in Gan, Laamu Atoll, and the expansion of Hanimaadhoo Airport.
Furthermore, President Solih expressed gratitude to the Indian government for its continuous support in developing infrastructure and expanding human resource development in the Maldives. He also recognised the assistance provided by the Indian government in managing the COVID-19 pandemic in the Maldives and thanked Prime Minister Modi for his support.
Reflecting on the lesson learned during the global pandemic, President Solih and Prime Minister Modi acknowledged that achieving economic resilience was critical in order to withstand the shock of unpredictable events. In this regard, President Solih advised investors from India to seize the opportunity to form meaningful and mutually beneficial partnerships with the Maldives. He also emphasised the defense cooperation between the two countries and reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to fighting terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations, as well as to strengthening collaboration to improve marine safety and security in the Indian Ocean region.
President Solih also thanked the Indian government for the announcement made to provide a second landing assault craft and a replacement ship for the CGS Huravee from the Indian government to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), as well as the donation of 24 utility vehicles.
Following the joint statement, President Solih attended the official luncheon hosted in his honour by Prime Minister Modi. He also signed the visitor’s book at the Hyderabad House.
A Maldivian delegation of senior government officials and representatives of leading businesses is accompanying the president on his visit. He is scheduled to conclude his visit on August 4.
President Solih’s visit to India signifies the close bilateral relations between the two countries. India has been a vital partner in the socioeconomic development of the Maldives, where several key projects are currently underway under this partnership.