Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer on Friday said India has emerged as the world’s largest and most diverse democracy, setting an example and inspiring many countries, including his country.
Reflecting on the long-standing partnership between the Maldives and India, which he said is “rooted in its people and strengthened through our active bilateral cooperation,” Zameer reiterated President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s government’s firm commitment to “strengthen and deepen” the strong ties between our two countries “for the mutual benefit of our peoples”.
Zameer was speaking as the chief guest at a function organised here to mark India’s 78th Independence Day.
Bilateral ties have recently improved following External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s three-day visit, after months of bitterness between the two countries since the swearing-in of pro-China Muizzu in November last year.
Jaishankar visited the archipelago nation earlier this month and met the country’s top leadership, including President Muizu. Earlier, Muizu had visited New Delhi in June for the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s new government.
Earlier, within hours of taking oath, Muizzu had demanded that India withdraw its military personnel from his country. After mutual talks, India withdrew its military personnel by the deadline of May 10 and replaced them with civilians.
Describing it as an honour to be the chief guest at the event on Friday, Zameer extended hearty greetings and best wishes to President Draupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Modi and the friendly people of India on behalf of President Muizzu, the government and people of Maldives.
“(I) congratulate India on their remarkable visit, which is extremely significant and inspiring. India has emerged as the world’s largest and most diverse democracy, setting an example inspiring many countries, including the Maldives,” Zameer posted on X after the event.
“I reflected on the long-standing partnership between the Maldives and India – a partnership rooted in the people of the country and strengthened by our active bilateral cooperation,” he said.
He reiterated the firm commitment of President Dr. Muizzu’s Government to strengthen and deepen the strong ties between the two countries for the mutual benefit of our peoples.
In his lengthy post, Zameer said he thanks External Affairs Minister Jaishankar for his unwavering support in “enhancing our bilateral ties”.
He thanked Indian Ambassador to Maldives Munu Mahavar for hosting the event.
Mahawar, responding to her post, thanked Zameer for gracing “this celebration of our enduring friendship” and added: “We are confident that under the leadership of PM @narendramodi and President @MMuizzu, our relations will scale new heights and the bonds of friendship will grow even stronger.”
Earlier, the Indian mission had said in a post on X: “‘Connecting Cultures’ at the iconic Olympus Hall witnessed an enthralling symphony of Indian and Maldivian singing and dance performances.”
The event, held at the iconic Olympus Hall, witnessed a mesmerizing display of Indian and Maldivian music and dance, including a medley of Indian and Maldivian songs and special dance performances by artistes from India and Maldives.