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Minister Shahid speaks at India Today Conclave

Nafaahath Ibrahim
14 March 2021, MVT 16:36
Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid speaking at the India Today Conclave-South at the session entitled, “Neighbourhood Navigation: The Common Water: Old Ties, New Strategies. PHOTO: FOREIGN MINISTRY
Nafaahath Ibrahim
14 March 2021, MVT 16:36

Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid on Saturday spoke at the India Today Conclave-South during the session titled, “Neighbourhood Navigation: The Common Water: Old Ties, New Strategies.

Minister Shahid departed to India on March 11 to take part in the fourth edition of the Conclave.

He was joined at the panel by the Minister of Foreign Relations of Sri Lanka, Dinesh Gunawardena (participating virtually), and Member of the Board of Governors of India Foundation, Ram Madhav.

Speaking at the session Minister Shahid highlighted the future prospects of the Indian Ocean Region.

"The promise of democratic peace, offers plenty of opportunities for development and for cooperation. And I think this provides for a strong opportunity for regional diplomacy – in building and strengthening institutions. Institutions that will foster a multilateral, regional approach in maintaining order in the Indian Ocean."

He went on to state that a collaborative effort was key to maintaining rules and it would also aid in bringing all the countries of the region together.

"Recent developments, such as IORA’s Working Group on Maritime Safety and Security, the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium and the Galle Dialogue, are encouraging signs of strong commitment towards establishing a formal set of mechanisms for a multilateral approach in maintaining order in the Indian Ocean Region."

He also spoke of the role played by Maldives in the region and noted the district geographic location of the country, passing through major sea lines of communication.

"Nearly 100,000 vessels pass through the Indian Ocean every year. This is equal to almost 10 billion tonnes of cargo, including 36 million barrels of oil per day – more than 65 percent of the world’s oil trade."

"This undoubtedly makes the Maldives an important link in global trade, in addressing global challenges, where continuous stability in the Indian Ocean is fundamental for the security of the Maldives. And indeed, a stronger, prosperous, democratic, and a politically stable Maldives is necessary for the security of the Indian Ocean", added the foreign minister.

Hence, the Maldives-India partnership remains integral to the stability of maritime security in the Indian Ocean as per him.

He also assured that Maldives will continue to invest in this relationship, and will be a part of regional arrangements that strengthen protect and uphold freedom of navigation, and work collaboratively to cultivate partnerships that are based on mutual trust, and mutual respect.

Since January 2017, the Conclave annually gathers speakers to offer their perspectives and who aid in making sense of the fast-changing-socio-political developments of the region.

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