President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced plans to sign a number of bilateral agreements between the government of Maldives and the government of India.
Briefing the local media prior to his departure to India, President Solih highlighted the agreement on visa leniency and noted the agreement will ease the process of obtaining dependent visa and medical visa for Maldivian travellers to India. In the statement, the president highlighted India was among one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the Maldives, expressing his gratitude to the Indian government for the continuous support and assistance provided for the development of Maldives.
Furthermore, President Solih extended confidence the close bilateral cooperation will further strengthen and expand to multiple avenues in the times ahead. Moreover, the president revealed plans to meet the Indian businesses to extend information about possible investment opportunities in Maldives. He added further discussions will be held with the Indian government to assist in the state budget 2019.
Embarking on his first state visit since assuming office, President Solih said he was most looking forward to meeting with the Maldivian community residing in India, as part of his visit, and inquiring on the challenges they were facing.
The president is visiting India upon an invitation from Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.