Minister Zameer has declared that there is no animosity between Maldives and India and credited India in remaining the country that has aided Maldives for the longest time. He assured that no policies that will strain relations with India will ever be adopted.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Moosa Zameer announced that there remains no animosity between India and Maldives and that everything is proceeding in a 'very friendly' manner.
He made this statement in response to a question posed by a journalist during a press conference held today to share information with the media on the operation of replacing Indian military established in Maldives cue their departure from the country last Thursday.
"Matters proposed by both sides are proceeding with consent from both sides," Zameer said during the conference.
He recalled the long standing historical relationship between Maldives and India during his speech, highlighting that India had extended aid to Maldives despite Maldives being listed within the least developed countries.
He asserted that while Maldives has now been placed among the list of developing countries, the foreign state that had persisted in offering aid to Maldives for the longest time remains India. He singled out the quick assistance provided by India in defending Maldives during the attempted coup 'd'état and deadly terrorist attack on November 3, 1988 when local businessman Abdullah Luthufee led armed mercenaries of a Tamil militant organization to topple the government.
Zameer remarked that the military officials who were deployed into the country to help thwart the coup 'd'état had departed in November 1988 upon the request of the Maldivian government back then as well.
"I have no doubt whatsoever that India will still provide assistance to challenges faced by Maldives," said Minister Zameer.
On Wednesday last week, Zameer had departed to India to embark on the first official visit to the country since this government had assumed office and arrived back in Maldives on Friday.
He recalled the warm welcome that greeted him upon his arrival to India despite the country gearing up for a large election during this time.
"The External Affairs Minister had also arrived in Delhi and met with me, deliberated with me, planned the directions to proceed matters with us and returned to the campaign only after partaking in this. Therefore, the relationship between us and India is very close," said Zameer.
The affirmation he provided today was that the government will not adopt any policy that will strain relations between Maldives and India. He had further given this assurance to Indian media outlets amid the official trip as well, declaring that despite the comments of three Maldivian deputy Ministers demeaning India, such conduct will not be repeated in the future.
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