President's Office has refuted rumours the management of Velana International Airport (VIA) and 25-storey Dharuvamantha Hospital are to be handed over to the Government of India.
The Government of Maldives refuted the rumours amidst the circulation of pictures in social media showing staff from India-based GMR Group at VIA and in the wake of comments made in social media saying it has been decided to hand over the management of the airport and hospital to foreign parties.
Addressing a press conference, Spokesperson at President's Office, Chief Communication Strategist Ibrahim Hood dismissed all rumours, assuring no such agreements were made during the recent state visit of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.
Expressing the success of the foreign policy of the administration, the spokesperson noted the success of the recent state visit of the Indian prime minister to Maldives. Hood said India always attach close bonds with Maldives, adding close ties with the closest neighbour and ally will not diminish.
Although ties with India were weakened during the former presidency, since assuming office President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and his administration has exerted major efforts to restore close ties with the country.