President of Maldives Mohamed Muizzu, Who once ran the “India Out” campaignon Saturday said India has always been one of its “closest” allies and “invaluable” partners that has “provided assistance whenever Maldives needed it.”
The remarks were made while he was addressing a ceremony organised at the President’s Office to hand over water supply and sewerage facilities constructed on 28 islands of Maldives, financed by a loan facility through Exim Bank of India.
The President emphasized that these initiatives will yield substantial economic benefits, revitalize local economies and collectively enhance the country’s overall prosperity. He highlighted that these projects are important milestones in Maldives’ bilateral relations with India.
According to a press release from his office, at the event, President Muizzu reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthen the deep and historically close ties between Maldives and India.
He said, “India has always been one of the closest allies and invaluable partners, providing assistance to Maldives whenever needed.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Muizzu expressed his deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India and the “friendly people” of India for the “generous and continued support” extended to the island nation.
The President reflected on his recent visit to India for the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi and expressed gratitude for the invitation and the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Modi and President Draupadi Murmu.
President Muizzu highlighted that the high impact community development projects supported by Indian grant assistance are testimony to the close cooperation between the two countries in socio-economic development. He said that several transformational initiatives are currently underway under this programme, which are being implemented rapidly in the communities and concerted efforts are being made to expedite their implementation. He also appreciated the flexibility extended by India in restructuring the debt arrangement.
Emphasising on the enduring ties between the Maldives and India, the President said that centuries of friendship, mutual respect and deep affinity have continually strengthened their relations. He emphasised that the people of the Maldives greatly value their historical ties with the people of India and are committed to preserving and enhancing this relationship.
Looking to the future, President Muizzu expressed hope that Maldives-India cooperation will continue to flourish and grow in the years to come.
He also expressed his gratitude Foreign Minister S. JaishankarPrime Minister Modi, who is currently on an official visit to Maldives, was congratulated for his efforts to strengthen ties between the two countries.