President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has called upon all Maldivians to always uphold unity and brotherhood. The President made this appeal while addressing the Maldivian Community residing in India this evening.
The President is currently on a State Visit to India, on the invitation of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking at the function, President Solih underscored the importance of maintaining international cooperation in order to ensure the security of a small State such as the Maldives. He also assured that this administration will never risk the relations established with the international community. The President especially noted the need to maintain strong relations with India for the safety and security of the region.
In his speech, President Solih extended his appreciation to the Indian government for their continuous support to human resource development of the Maldives, and for their contribution to the advancement of the country’s education and health sectors. He also underscored the longstanding and strong trade relations maintained between the Maldives and India.
Speaking to the Maldivian community, President Solih noted that a high number of Maldivian travellers to India continued to face visa-related issues. Speaking in this regard, the President highlighted that work was in progress to ease this most pressing challenge faced by Maldivian travellers to the much frequented destination.
Continuing on, President Solih stated that an agreement will be signed between the Maldivian government and the Indian government on visa leniency, as part of his current State Visit, under which 90-day visas will be granted for applicants of medical, tourist and business visa. He also said that the agreement will be made to ensure that those travelling to India on tourist visa, along with their accompanying parties, will be granted medical visa in the case of a medical emergency.
In his speech, President Solih highlighted that the administration was working on introducing a student loan scheme at a lower interest rate, as pledged in his 100-days’ goals. He also reassured that his administration will ease the loan payment process for students pursuing their studies under government loan schemes.
At the function, President Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed met with the Maldivian residents and their families individually, and inquired on their most pressing needs.
