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Indian FS holds joint meeting with three ministers

Mariyam Malsa
10 November 2020, MVT 17:56
Indian Foreign Secretary Shringala poses for a photo with Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam, Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail and Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer. PHOTO: INDIAN HIGH COMMISSION
Mariyam Malsa
10 November 2020, MVT 17:56

Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, on Tuesday, held a joint meeting with Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam, Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail and Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer.

Held as part of Secretary Shringla's ongoing official visit to Maldives, the meeting was intended to review the progress of projects initiated under the India-Maldives development partnership.

During the deliberations, the progress of eight projects currently being implemented under Lines of Credit worth USD 1.3 billion extended to Maldives were highlighted. All three ministers noted their satisfaction concerning the pace of work and stated that four or five of these projects would be inaugurated within the upcoming two months.

The Indian Foreign Secretary expressed appreciation regarding the support and cooperation demonstrated by the three key ministries in expediting the process of executing the development projects.

According to the High Commission of India, Foreign Secretary Shringla also met with Home Minister and Adhaalath Party Leader Imran Abdulla, Jumhooree Party Leader Qasim Ibrahim, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and the leadership of the opposition coalition.

During his call on former President Gayoom, the Indian Foreign Secretary expressed appreciation for Gayoom's contribution to shaping the bilateral relationship between Maldives and India over the course of his presidency.

In his meeting with Minister Imran, Secretary Shringala noted Adhaalath Party's contribution as a coalition partner in the incumbent administration's efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties between Maldives and India.

Discussions with Jumhooree Party leader Qasim Ibrahim revolved around topics of mutual interest including Maldives' ongoing economic recovery efforts.

The Foreign Secretary’s outreach across party lines highlighted the democratic values shared by both Maldives and India, as well as the resilience of the bilateral relationship despite the passage of time.

Furthermore, Secretary Shringla was confirmed to have already met with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed, Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi and Minister of Tourism Dr Abdulla Mausoom.

In addition to the aforementioned meetings with key members of the Maldivian government, Foreign Secretary Shringla also signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoU)s, including a USD 100 million grant to partially finance the Greater Male’ Connectivity Project (GMCP) as well as two Memoranda of Agreement to execute high-impact community development projects (HICDPs) in Maldives.

The High Commission of India noted that the bilateral relationship between Maldives and India was based on historical ties, shared democratic values and people-to-people connections. The Commission went on to assert that Foreign Secretary Shringla's visit would serve to reinforce the partnership between the two neighbouring countries.

The ongoing visit marks Shringla’s first official visit to Maldives, since he was appointed as Foreign Secretary on January 29, 2020.

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