President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has reiterated that this Government is committed to upholding our democracy and rule of law. The President made this statement at a courtesy call by Minister of External Affairs of India, Her Excellency Sushma Swaraj on President Yameen. The meeting was held on Sunday morning at the President’s Office.
Speaking at the meeting, President Yameen stated that this Government will not tolerate foreign parties to interfere with the country’s domestic issues, and underscored that a country’s integrity and national sovereignty must be respected by all. He also stated that every country must be able to practice their democracy without foreign influence. The President noted that the stability of any government in this region was of utmost importance to the other countries.
President Yameen noted that this year would mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and India. He expressed his gratitude to the Indian Government for always being a close and reliable friend to the Maldives. He thanked the Indian Government for its continuous support to the Maldives in the international arena, and in all areas of development. The President reassured the Indian External Affairs Minister, of the Government’s commitment to strengthening the Indo-Maldives relations. President Yameen and the Indian External Affairs Minister exchanged views on ways to further enhance relations between the Maldives and India.
At the meeting, President Yameen briefed on the Government’s plans for the development of Male’ and Hulhumale region, and noted that apart from achieving urban development goals, it would also facilitate creation of more job opportunities.
Speaking at today’s meeting, the Indian External Affairs Minister expressed deep concern over the blast on the presidential speedboat on September 28th, which led to the First Lady and others suffering injuries. She wished for the speedy and full recovery of the First Lady, and enquired if India’s further assistance was required in any area. The Indian External Affairs Minister noted that India immediately provided its forensic expertise following the explosion on the presidential speedboat, and assured of India’s continuous support to the Maldives.
The Indian Minister of External Affairs reassured the President of India’s continuous support to the Maldives’ leadership, noting that India has always portrayed its solidarity with the Maldives at global platforms. She also assured that India will continue to support the Maldives in the future. Indian Minister Sushma Swaraj underscored the high priority India accorded to ensure a peaceful and safe neighbourhood in the South Asian region. She stated that all the countries must stand and fight together to combat against the issue of global terrorism.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Dunya Maumoon, Minister at the President’s Office, His Excellency Mohamed Hussain Shareef, High Commissioner of the Maldives to India, His Excellency Ahmed Mohamed, and Foreign Secretary, His Excellency Dr. Ali Naseer.
