The Edition
facebook icon twitter icon instagram icon linkedin icon

Latest

Prime Minister Modi showers President Solih with praise

18 December 2018, MVT 14:38
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2R) hugs Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (2L) as his wife Fazna Ahmed (L), India President Ram Nath Kovind (C) and his wife Savita Kovind (R) looks on during ceremonial reception at the Presidential palace in New Delhi on December 17, 2018. - Maldivian President is on three-day of state visit to India till December 18. (Photo by Prakash SINGH / AFP)
18 December 2018, MVT 14:38

The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, on Monday, commended Maldives' President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and guaranteed that India would remain a close ally of Maldives.

The Indian Prime Minister stated that he looks forward to working with Maldives on climate change mitigation, maritime co-operation, and strengthening the security of the Indian Ocean region.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. PHOTO: TWITTER

The recently elected President Solih is currently on a diplomatic mission to India as part of the government's numerous efforts to strengthen bilateral ties which had deteriorated during the previous administration.

Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer, on Monday, disclosed that India's financial assistance of USD 1.4 billion to Maldives, allocates USD 200 million as budget support, USD 800 million for government-initiated projects, and USD 400 million as currency swap. The Maldivian government will receive the free aid in January, 2019.

Notably, the two countries have also signed a new visa agreement which has been hailed as the most lenient visa policy ever opted for by India.

While Modi attended the inauguration of President Solih on November 17, the Indian Prime Minister has accepted an invitation to make a state visit to Maldives.

This is President Solih's first state visit to another country since his inauguration on November 17.

The Indian government facilitated private air transport for the couple and their entourage, comprising of Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid, Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer, Minister of National Planning and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Aishath Nahula, and Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail.

MORE ON NEWS