President Solih's response to accusations: no foreign soldiers involved in military work

Presidential candidate of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said that there are no foreign soldiers involved in military work anywhere in the Maldives.

The President who is contesting for a second term in office, made this statement during the Presidential Debate hosted by Sangu TV last night.

Sangu TV's debate featuring the eight presidential candidates in the lead-up to Saturday's presidential election has brought to light questions concerning some of the most frequently raised allegations against the current administration. The allegation of Indian soldiers in the Maldives was even raised by the candidates themselves during the debate.

The President said that there is nothing new regarding foreign soldiers based in the Maldives. He said that training and exercises to enhance collaboration are conducted in a manner similar to what previous governments have done. The President emphasized that these activities are carried out in accordance with bilateral agreements.

"There are no foreign soldiers carrying out military work in this country. They are not present now, nor have they been here in the recent or distant past," the President reiterated in his response.

The President said that there are no soldiers based here in the Maldives for military work, even though they come here for training purposes.

When questioned about his foreign policy president Solih responded by saying that his foreign policy for the next 5 years will also be based on democracy, human rights and protection of the environment. He highlighted that diplomatic relations have been established with several countries during the last 5 years and that the Maldives had even rejoined the Commonwealth after having left it during the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) administration.

Highlighting the close relations forged with other countries over the past five years, president Solih said that efforts are currently underway to finalize a free trade agreement with the United Kingdom. He emphasized that his foreign policy will always prioritize allowing the nation to hold its head high.

Responding to criticisms about the close ties between the current government and India, the president emphasized that the relations between the Maldives and China are "very good". He said that the mega tourism project in Addu City will be implemented by a Chinese company.

"[Our foreign policy] is not a policy of being friendly in the morning and harassing in the evening" he said.

Speaking on the agreement about North Thilafalhu, president Solih said that there is no threat to the national security of Maldives due to this agreement. He said that even though the place is developed with free aid from India, it is still owned by the Maldives and there are no soldiers of any foreign country based there.