Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohamed Asim has stated that establishing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China would not affect any ties Maldives has with neighboring countries.
In an exclusive phone interview with PSM News, Foreign Minister Dr. Asim described the FTA signed between China and Maldives as a gateway for national development.
In this regard, Minister Asim stated that the administration of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom gives importance to the economic development of the nation and stated that enhancing relations with foreign counties would pave way towards this goal.
Refuting rumors about alleged weakened relations bwteen Maldives and neighboring countries, Minister Dr. Asim highlighted that India continues to be a steadfast development partner of Maldives in fields such as education, health and military and reiterated that relations between both nations would not be weakened by the FTA with China. The Foreign Minister stated that Maldives will continue its work in strengthening ties with foreign nations.
The FTA between Maldives and China was signed during President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s state visit to China from December 6-9.