Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid sat down with Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi, on Monday, to discuss counter-terrorism and regional and international security.
Following the meeting, Minister Shahid tweeted about the importance of collaboration between the foreign and defence departments, in ensuring the security and safety of the Indian Ocean.
Discussed latest issues on regional &international security issues, including counter-terrorism, with Defense Minister @MariyaDidi. Given the significant role of Maldives in ensuring a safe & peaceful Indian Ocean, close cooperation btwn Foreign &Defense sector is essential pic.twitter.com/BGY84i7NCB
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) November 2, 2020
The meeting was held in attendance of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel, Foreign Secretary Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed and Chief of Defence Force Major General Abdulla Shamaal.
The meeting was held shortly after Maldives recently signed a confidential agreement with the United States (US), which is believed to provide assistance in America’s ongoing efforts to curb support for China in the Indo-Pacific region.
Prior to that, in 2016, during former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s administration, Maldives signed a military agreement with India. This agreement became a matter of controversy, with the opposition demanding for details of the agreement and accusing the government of allowing foreign military presence in the Maldives, although the government has refuted these claims.
Repeatedly denying any form of foreign military presence, Chief of Defence Force Major General Abdulla Shamaal assured that only "technicians, technical personnel serving humanitarian purposes [and those] aiding us and fulfilling our needs are working in Maldives".
Sign In