Moosa Zameer, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, reaffirmed the government's "firm commitment" under President Mohamed Muizzu to further strengthen and deepen the "robust relationship" between Maldives and India for the mutual benefit of their citizens.
Zameer, speaking as the chief guest at a special event organized by the Indian High Commission in the Maldives on Friday afternoon in celebration of India's 78th Independence Day, remarked, "Congratulated India for their remarkable journey, one of profound significance and inspiration. India has emerged as the world’s largest and most diverse democracy, that leads by example, inspiring many countries, including the Maldives."
On behalf of President Muizzu, the Maldivian government, and its people, Zameer extended warm greetings and best wishes to India’s President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the "friendly people" of India. He also thanked External Affairs Minister, EAM S. Jaishankar, for his "unwavering support" in scaling up the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
He termed the event as a "memorable event" and underlined the strong partnership between India and the Maldives that is rooted in the relations between their peoples and has been further cemented with continuous bilateral cooperation.
The President praised the "invaluable partnership" between the two neighboring countries in a message sent earlier on Thursday to President Murmu and Prime Minister Modi on the occasion of India's Independence Day. "India continues to be an invaluable partner in the development of the Maldives," said a statement published by his office. This long-standing relationship based on mutual respect and trust has matured into a warm and collaborative friendship that has always been instrumental in the development and advancement of Maldives."
The President also reaffirmed his government's "full commitment" to strengthening the "historic and close relations" between the Maldives and India.
Later, in a message posted on X, Muizzu wrote, "Our enduring friendship, rooted in history, has evolved to foster prosperity and development in the Maldives and the region. As we look to the future, I am confident that our partnership will continue to strengthen, driving mutual prosperity and shared goals."
Earlier in the week, President Muizzu had referred to India as one of the Maldives' "closest allies" and "invaluable partners," expressing "deep gratitude" to Prime Minister Modi, the Indian government, and the people of India for their "generous and continued assistance" to the Maldives.
"India has always been one of the closest allies and invaluable partners, facilitating and providing aid whenever Maldives has needed it," Muizzu said this in the presence of External Affairs Minister Jaishankar during a function at the President's Office. This event was for handing over the completed Water Supply and Sewerage Facilities on 28 islands in Maldives undertaken with the Government of India's Line of Credit, or LoC, through the Exim Bank of India.
In his address, Muizzu mentioned that these are key projects under the bilateral relationship between Maldives and India that bring considerable economic benefits, boost local economies, and contribute to the nation's overall prosperity.
President Muizzu also informed EAM Jaishankar about his recent visit to India for the swearing-in ceremony of PM Modi, saying that he was really indebted to them for inviting and giving him the opportunity to meet with both PM Modi and President Droupadi Murmu.
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