Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has said the decisions already taken by the new government of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih prove the priority given to the traditional ties established with India. He made the statement in an exclusive interview to Times of India following his ministerial appointment.
During the interview, the foreign minister noted the Government of President Solih will prioritise the traditional ties with India, highlighting the presence of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi at the swearing-in ceremony and the discussions between the two leaders are a signal of keenness to restore the friendship between the two countries.
Minister Shahid described the foreign policy implemented by former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom as reckless which, he said, had amassed a number of issues to the region. Noting the Indian Ocean security is paramount, Shahid said the security of Maldives has always been closely linked to the security of its immediate neighbours.
Moreover, discussing the need for Maldives to restore balance in its foreign policy, which under Yameen saw China emerging as its focal point, Shahid said India was going to become a key partner in the development of Maldives. Further, he said Indian naval helicopters deployed in Maldives will not be removed and solving visa issues for Indian nationals will be prioritised by the new government.
Talking on relations with India, the foreign minister said the new government looked at India as a key partner in building democracy in Maldives.