Kiren Rijiju, the Minister of Earth Sciences of India, has paid a courtesy call on the President of the Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, at the President's Office.
President Solih warmly welcomed Minister Rijiju and seized the opportunity to convey his greetings and best wishes to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the people of India.
During the meeting, both leaders underscored the enduring bilateral relationship between the Maldives and India. President Solih acknowledged India's pivotal role as a vital and close ally, attributing the Maldives' remarkable development to India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy. He pointed out the consistent increase in Indian tourist arrivals, the frequency of flight arrivals, and the expansion of flight destinations to various Indian cities as evidence of India's steadfast support and leadership.
Expressing gratitude for India's unwavering assistance during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Solih commended India as the Maldives' closest partner in critical times.
In response, Minister Kiren Rijiju conveyed profound gratitude for the substantial support and cooperation extended by the Maldivian government. The meeting concluded with both leaders reiterating their shared determination to enhance bilateral relations through increased cooperation and people-to-people contact between the Maldives and India.
The discussions between President Solih and Minister Rijiju underscored the mutual commitment to fostering a stronger and more prosperous partnership, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in various fields for the benefit of both nations.