"In the coming three days of this visit, we will see the positive outcomes of Indian assistance to Maldives in the country's infrastructural development, diversification of the economy, and social development," Minister Jaishankar stated.
India's Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has highlighted the close ties between Maldives and India.
Jaishankar arrived in Maldives yesterday on an official visit and made these remarks in a press statement issued last night at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Expressing joy at the opportunity to visit Maldives once again, he stated that as this is his first official trip after President Dr Mohamed Muizzu assumed office, this would be an opportunity to observe the progress of work done collaboratively by the two countries.
"We will also be deliberating on shaping bilateral relations in the coming years," he said in the joint press statement issued by himself and Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer.
"In the coming three days of this visit, we will see the positive outcomes of Indian assistance to Maldives in the country's infrastructural development, diversification of the economy, and social development."Ja
Jaishankar stated that it has always been a priority for India to maintain close ties with the Maldives, and to provide assistance in various areas. He added that in every visit to Maldives, he has met with relevant stakeholders and identified areas where assistance is required.
The Minister revealed that, during his visit, he would be holding meetings with President Muizzu, Minister of Finance Dr Mohamed Shafeeq, Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed, as well as Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon.
At the ceremony, a number of projects being carried out in Maldives through Indian aid was also officially launched. This includes some of the projects being implemented over recent years under the High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP) agreement.
- Inclusive Education Support Unit established in Haa Alif Atoll Education Centre in Dhidhoo, Ihahdhoo School in Laamu atoll Gan, and Abu Bakr School in Gaafu Dhaalu atoll Thinadhoo.
- Child Development Centre established in Haa Dhaalu Kulhudhuhfushi Hospital to provide physical and mental health services
- Mental Health Unit established in Raa atoll Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital
- Placing streetlights in Thaa atoll Thimarafushi, Thaa atoll Veymandoo and Gaafu Alif Kon'dey
I am pleased to witness with External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar the Exchange of the MoU between Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Maldives and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). The MoU will amplify the international finance opportunities, attracting… pic.twitter.com/r7FFwYcZQD
— Moosa Zameer (@MoosaZameer) August 9, 2024
Two new agreements were also signed between Maldives and India last night. One of these is the MOU signed between National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Maldives Economic Ministry on the introduction of India's Instant Payment System, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services in Maldives. The second agreement is between Maldives Civil Service Commission and India's National Centre for Good Governance to train an additional 1000 civil service employees.