Vice President Faisal Naseem has attended a special reception, hosted by the High Commission of India in the Maldives, to commemorate India’s 75th Independence Day. The Vice President was the Guest of Honour at the reception held tonight at Hotel Jen.
Speaking at the reception, Vice President Faisal Naseem extended warm greetings and best wishes on the joyous occasion, on behalf of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the people of the Maldives, to the President of the Republic of India, H.E Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian people.
The Vice President described the decades leading up to India attaining independence, in 1947, as a long and gruelling struggle overcome by the invaluable efforts and sacrifices of great leaders who fought for freedom. He affirmed that India's journey to becoming a leading sovereign nation in only 75 years is an inspiration to the whole world. Vice President Faisal Naseem also highlighted that when the Maldives had finally attained independence from the protectorate status under the British, India was one of the first countries to recognise the Maldives as a sovereign state. In the long history of our relations, he said, India has always extended assistance whenever we were in need.
Delineating on the aid and support India had provided the Maldives, Vice President Faisal Naseem underscored the assistance provided for the development of the social sector, especially the High Impact Community Development Projects under India’s assistance which strengthened the Government’s decentralisation efforts to bring nationwide development. He also recognised India's tremendous support on all fronts concerning the Covid-19 pandemic, including assisting in the evacuation of Maldivians in Wuhan, donating essential medicines and essential food items and granting 200,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine, as the first recipients outside India. The Vice President extended his sincere gratitude to the Government of India for the generous assistance extended to the Maldives during these challenging times.
Concluding his remarks, Vice President Faisal Naseem stated that the Maldives remains committed to enhancing the partnership with India, and would continue to uphold the close friendship between the two nations.
The reception held tonight included a video presentation on the historical ties between India and the Maldives. Additionally, it included a video on the fresh water and road development projects underway at Addu City. Following the videos, the Indian Cultural Centre performed a cultural programme for the guests.