Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer has affirmed the Maldives and India are committed to further strengthening their bilateral relationship. He made the statement during a meeting with Minister of External Affairs of India Dr. S. Jaishankar, during his visit to the Maldives.
In the statement, Minister Zameer emphasised India is a vital partner in the development of the Maldives, providing assistance and cooperation across various sectors. Their discussions covered topics including the economy, trade and investment, education, human resource development, health, tourism, sports, and defense, with a focus on enhancing bilateral ties.
Additionally, Minister Zameer highlighted the commitment of both countries to work together for national and regional stability and security. He said that this includes collaboration on combating terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and the protection of human rights. He also proposed a free trade agreement (FTA) between the Maldives and India, which is a key initiative of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, aimed at facilitating trade between the two nations.
During the meeting, Dr. Jaishankar underscored India's longstanding commitment to maintaining close relations with the Maldives and providing support in various fields. He also noted the cooperation between the two countries directly impacts the lives of their citizens.
Additionally, Dr. Jaishankar reflected on his frequent visits to the Maldives. He expressed his ongoing interest in identifying new areas for collaboration, particularly in economic, financial, and defense sectors. He also reiterated India's dedication to supporting the Maldives in its development, emphasising the close relationship between the two countries is grounded in mutual benefit.