In his meeting with the newly elected Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Yameen has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations with India. The meeting was held this morning at Hyderabad House, New Delhi.
Prime Minister Modi extended a warm welcome to President Yameen to India. President Yameen also thanked the Prime Minister of India for the warm and gracious hospitality extended to him and members of his delegation during their stay.
Underscored by shared values and geographical contiguity between the two countries, President Yameen expressed his confidence that the long-standing close relations between Maldives and India would continue to be further strengthened under Prime Minister Modi’s tenure. He also stated that, in shaping Maldivian foreign policy, India’s interests and status as a global leader would continue to be accorded the highest respect.
President Yameen noted that India was the first country to establish diplomatic relations with the Maldives following its independence in 1965, highlighting the strong historical ties between the two nations.
In discussing the future of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC), President Yameen noted that the invitation extended to the leaders of SAARC, particularly Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, was indicative of the significance afforded to the regional organization by Prime Minister Modi. The Indian Prime Minister also remarked that all SAARC countries should prioritize strengthening regional relations in order to mutually realize their developmental aspirations, and contribute to the prosperity and security of the South Asian region.
In the meeting today, Prime Minister Modi also affirmed the Indian government’s commitment to providing further higher education opportunities to Maldivian students, while also lending the Indian government’s full support to the tourism sector in the Maldives.
President Yameen was joined at the meeting by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Dunya Maumoon, Ministers at the President’s Office, Hon. Mohamed Hussain Shareef and Hon. Abdulla Ameen, High Commissioner of Maldives to India Mr. Mohamed Naseer, and Spokesperson at the President’s Office Mr. Ibrahim Muaz Ali. Prime Minister Modi was accompanied at the call by the Indian Minister of External Affairs Ms. Sushma Swaraj, Foreign Secretary Mrs. Sujatha Singh and the Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives Mr. Rajeev Sahare.
