The President has said that Maldives will always welcome Indian investments and need to benefit from the vast reservoir of ideals and capital Indian businesses have to offer. The President made the remarks at a special function held this evening at Iskandar School to mark the India-Maldives friendship day. The friendship day marks the forty seventh anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and India.
The President also noted that during the past years, the relations between the Maldives and India have further grown stronger. He also said that the close and friendly relation that exists between the Maldives and India is based on mutual respect, understanding and reinforced by a shared vision of a better future for our people and our region. “India has been a major contributor and vital development partner of the Maldives assisting in every facet of life ranging from the political to the economic to the socio-cultural. Maldives continues to receive valuable assistances from India in the areas of capacity building, health, education, security and trade.” The President said.
The President also noted that International businesses that have done well are those that are built on mutual trust and respect. He said that small countries like Maldives are like small businesses, vulnerable to external shocks, always self-conscious about security and easily manipulated by bigger partners. In addition the President said that as a nation, state small countries are very conscious of their national pride and sovereignty. “It is not a secret that we are currently facing some difficulty with some Indian companies, we must overcome these difficulties and adamantly resist such difficulties from effecting our very close and brotherly relationship between our two countries.” The President said.
The President also highlighted on the close relationship between the Maldives and India and said that Maldives should never question the relationship with India. “We have and we must always appreciate and remain grateful to India, on numerous occasions we have benefited and continue to benefit from the wisdom and the generosity of the people and the leadership of India. The corporation we have in the field of security and defence and international relations are exemplary it remains solid and unshakable.” The President said.
The President also noted with special gratitude, India’s enduring and generous contribution to the development of Maldives and unwavering support in the pursuance of our international initiatives and interests. He also thanked the Government of India for its continued support and collaboration, and reaffirm his commitment to work together in pursuance of common interests bilaterally and at the regional and global levels.
