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Will maintain ties with Saudi and China: Ibu

Shaina Abdulla
12 August 2018, MVT 08:44
Opposition coalition presidential candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih speaking at a main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) party hub in Noonu atoll.
Shaina Abdulla
12 August 2018, MVT 08:44

Opposition coalition presidential candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu) has stated that Maldives' bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia and China will not be affected in an administration of the coalition.

Speaking to local media Raajje TV, the coalition candidate stated that ties with Saudi Arabia will be maintained in an administration of the coalition, highlighting that Saudi Arabia is a friendly nation, sharing the same state religion as the Maldives.

Noting on snags faced due to the strains in Maldives’ bilateral ties, MP Solih earlier pledged to restore ties with Qatar, Iran and the Commonwealth of Nations, in an administration of the opposition.

Solih further stressed that China plays a key role in the development of Maldives and stated that an administration of the opposition will not strain the relationship between Maldives and China.

Whilst Hinnavaru MP Solih has declared that bilateral ties between Maldives and China will remain unaffected, President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has been sharing the closest relations with China and Saudi Arabia since the beginning of his term.

Notably, the largest and one of the most expensive development projects being conducted in the Maldives, the landmark Sinamale Bridge connecting capital Male with airport island Hulhule, is being developed with great aid from China.

Maldives also built stronger ties with Saudi Arabia after joining the Saudi-led Islamic military alliance late in 2015, becoming one of 34 nations to support the coalition. According to the Arab kingdom, it was formed to “target all terrorist organisations in the Islamic world” and has been blacklisted by the United Nations.

Furthermore, the Arab kingdom was also awarded a mega project in Faafu Atoll during President Yameen’s regime amidst rebuffing allegations of deceit and deception involved in the venture.

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