Maldives' Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel to Visit India, Meeting EAM Jaishankar on Friday
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New Delhi, Jan 2 (NationPress) Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel is scheduled to reach New Delhi on Thursday evening for a three-day visit to India, where he will engage in discussions with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar.
Khaleel was appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives on September 30 of the previous year, following his nomination by President Mohamed Muizzu. Prior to this role, he had been serving as the Minister of Health for the country.
He has previously recognized that India's support played a crucial role in aiding his tourism-dependent nation’s swift recovery from the Covid pandemic.
In October, Khaleel accompanied President Muizzu during a historic five-day State visit, marking the first official trip by the Maldivian President since taking office in November 2023.
This visit was characterized by meaningful discussions and strengthened ties, further solidifying the long-standing friendship between the Maldives and India.
“Our commitment to enhance the Maldives-India partnership is steadfast, and I eagerly anticipate our collaborative efforts for the mutual benefit of both our nations,” Khaleel expressed on X following the conclusion of the visit on October 10.
During Muizzu's visit, both nations also embraced a 'Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership' to steer their bilateral relations across various domains.
President Muizzu expressed his appreciation to India for its ongoing financial support to the Indian Ocean nation during the significant five-day state visit.
During the trip, Muizzu participated in high-level meetings with President Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and numerous senior Indian officials, focusing on enhancing the friendship and development partnership between their two countries.
During his discussions with PM Modi, Muizzu reviewed ongoing projects and explored new opportunities for collaboration.
He thanked India for its unwavering support, particularly during challenging periods, highlighting India’s financial assistance, which included the rollover of T-bills in May and September 2024 for an additional year at zero interest to the Maldives, along with an additional support of INR 30 billion or $400 million under a bilateral currency swap agreement.
“In his addresses at business forums in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, Muizzu underscored the Maldives' vast potential for tourism investments and outlined future collaboration opportunities. He emphasized the nation's vision for economic diversification and sustainable growth, mentioning key investment opportunities such as special economic zones, luxury private islands, eco-friendly resorts, and integrated tourism projects,” stated his office.
Khaleel and EAM Jaishankar are expected to discuss advancements in various sectors including social housing, infrastructure development, agriculture and fisheries, trade and investment, human resource development, healthcare, women’s empowerment, renewable energy, and maritime and security cooperation when they meet at Hyderabad House on Friday afternoon.
