The Maldives and India have exchanged nine new Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) under Phase II of the High Impact Community Development Projects Scheme.
The MoUs were signed during Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid’s official visit to India. Minister of External Affairs of India Dr. S. Jaishankar was also in attendance at the signing ceremony. The MoUs were signed to initiate projects funded under Indian grant assistance as part of the HICDP scheme.
The MoUs included the development of a volley court in Kanditheemu, Shaviyani Atoll, which aims to promote play and healthy competition among the community. It also included the development of a Mental Health Unit at the Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital. Minister Shahid said that the mental health unit will assist in the administration’s efforts to improve community health.
Additionally, the MoU on the development of a neighbourhood fish processing plant in Dhiggaru, Meemu Atoll, was also exchanged. Minister Shahid said it is a priority project for the administration as it will address many issues faced by the local community in processing the sustainably caught fish. Officials also signed the MoU for the procurement of furniture and equipment for Foakaidhoo Community Centre in Shaviyani Atoll constructed under grant assistance from India. The project will support the local community to embrace healthy living.
The Maldives and India also exchanged the MoU on School Digitalisation Project in Vilufushi, Thaa Atoll, which will enable children to receive a modern education to prepare them for the future. The countries also exchanged the MoU on upgrading the Faafu Atoll Hospital in Nilandhoo. Minister Shahid said it is an important project of the administration which will ease the burden of travelling to Male’ for dialysis requirements.
Other agreements included the MoU on upgrading the computer labs in government schools, the installation of street lights in Kondey, Gaafu Alifu Atoll, and Utheemu Palace Roof Preservation and Development of Palace Surroundings Project. Minister Shahid said this project will promote Maldivian culture and signifies the cultural cooperation between both countries.
Also during his visit, Minister Shahid held a meeting with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar. The discussions focused on strengthening the Maldives-India partnership by intensify development cooperation and enhancing collaboration to maintain peace and stability in the Indian Ocean.