New Delhi:
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said that cooperation with Maldives is a shining example of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and India always stands with Maldives. He said this during talks with his Maldivian counterpart Abdulla Khalil. At the beginning of the meeting, Jaishankar acknowledged New Delhi’s commitment to finalize a framework to promote the use of local currencies for cross-border trade between India and Maldives and to help Maldives deal with its economic problems. Mentioned financial aid.
Both sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the implementation of high community impact development projects under Phase III in the Maldives through grant assistance from India. During the talks, Khalil highlighted the India-Maldives joint vision of comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership. Expressed President Mohammad Muizzu’s strong commitment to work together with New Delhi in realizing it.
Khalil arrived here on Thursday on a three-day visit to explore ways to strengthen bilateral relations in several key areas including trade and investment. Maldives is struggling with economic problems to some extent. Jaishankar said, ‘A framework has been signed to promote the use of local currencies for cross-border transactions.’
He said, ‘Our partnership has increased in various fields and India has always stood with Maldives. For us, cooperation with you is a great example of our ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.” While talking about the economic assistance given by India to Maldives, the External Affairs Minister mentioned the currency swap arrangement of US $ 400 million.
He said, ‘We have also facilitated the export of essential commodities to Maldives. This has been a tradition in our relations.’ He said, ‘We certainly hope that our relations have helped you deal with this difficult time.’
The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement that Khalil appreciated the timely emergency financial assistance given by India to Maldives in its time of need.
“Foreign Minister Khalil reaffirmed the strong commitment of President Muizzu and the Government of Maldives to work closely with the Government of India in realizing the joint vision of the India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership,” the statement said.
(Except the headline, this story has not been edited by the NewsDeskReport team and is published directly from a syndicated feed.)