The delegation on the President's latest official visit to India, briefed the local media on the outcome of the visit this Tuesday afternoon at the President's Office. During the press conference, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Dunya Maumoon, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr Mohamed Shainee and Parliament Member for Kelaa constituency, Hon. Ali Arif spoke on the President behalf.
Speaking about the recent visit to India, Minister Dunya stated that the visit was made on special request by the Indian Prime Minister His Excellency Narendra Modi. She also said that during this visit, President Yameen called on the President of India, held high level discussions with the Prime Minister and met with India’s External Affairs Minister.
Minister Dunya stated that during the Presidents meeting with the Indian Prime Minister, discussions were held on a wide-range of subjects concerning both nations. Some of the topics of discussions included trade and economic cooperation, defence and security, human resource development, health sector development, social issues and tourism sector projects she said.
According to the Foreign Minister, the Presidents visit enhanced the existing bilateral relationship between both countries. She further highlighted that the high-level discussions between the nations leaders continued in a very friendly and welcoming environment. Before the end of the visit President Yameen invited Prime Minister Modi to visit the Maldives at his convenience. She also stated that the visit to India accomplished several objectives that would prove very beneficial to the people of Maldives.
Dr. Shainee said that a total of six agreements were exchanged between Maldives and India during the visit; which would further strengthen the bilateral relationship between both countries. Dr. Shainee also highlighted that this trip revealed that India’s views on several subjects were parallel to the views and beliefs of Maldives. He further stated that the Indian government believed that in a democratic country, institutional say carried more weight than one particular individual’s welfare. According to Dr. Shainee, the Indian government believed that democratic institutions should not allow one particular individual’s welfare to come between the rules and regulations of the institution. He stated that since the human resource of today won’t be here tomorrow, we should always try to work on strengthening institutions rather than changing the rules and regulations to fit a certain individual’s situation — and the Indian government pledged their full support towards this view he said.
While speaking at the press conference, Member of Parliament Hon. Ali Arif said that President Yameen’s official visit to India has very much heightened the existing bilateral relationship between both countries. He also said that these visits by the President would highly discourage those few who try to bring down our reputation in the international arena.
The delegation, speaking on behalf of the President, answered questions and briefed journalists on the outcome of this official visit to India.
