Male, Nov 10 (NationPress) The Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu met with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Monday, during which the leader of the Indian Ocean nation expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for their unwavering, long-term, and generous support.

The Maldives extends heartfelt thanks to India for their longstanding and generous support.

“The President received the Minister warmly and conveyed his sincere appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for their extensive and continuous support, which has significantly propelled the Maldives’ socio-economic development. He specifically noted India's assistance in the timely inauguration of Hanimaadhoo International Airport, which has greatly enhanced connectivity and progress,” stated a release from the Maldives President's office.

“President Muizzu further indicated that India continues to be a reliable partner in the Maldives’ development goals and expressed optimism for ongoing collaboration to ensure that existing projects are completed and activated without delay,” the statement elaborated.

The statement further indicated that both President Muizzu and Naidu, at the meeting's conclusion, reaffirmed their determination to deepen bilateral cooperation and promote initiatives that yield mutually beneficial results for both nations.

The Civil Aviation Minister also toured the seaplane facilities in the Maldives.

“The Maldives' expertise in managing the largest fleet of seaplanes could serve as a valuable model for India,” the Indian High Commission in Maldives remarked on X.

After the visit, Maldives Minister Mohamed Ameen received Naidu at the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation.

“The meeting showcased the strong and amicable relations between the Maldives and India, underscoring our shared respect and commitment to ongoing collaboration,” stated the Indian High Commission.

Earlier, Naidu and Muizzu inaugurated the redeveloped Hanimaadhoo International Airport in Maldives, marking a significant achievement in the partnership between India and the island nation.

“I was honored to join President of Maldives Mohamed Muizzu for the inauguration of the redeveloped Hanimaadhoo International Airport in Maldives as the Special Envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This landmark initiative, featuring the first-ever aerobridge in an atoll, signifies a new chapter in the India–Maldives relationship and our collective vision for improved regional connectivity and development,” Naidu shared on X on Monday.

The Minister of Civil Aviation congratulated the Maldives government on the airport's inauguration, highlighting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally supervised the project’s completion. He emphasized that both PM Modi and President Muizzu are dedicated partners in the development of the Indian Ocean region. Naidu reassured India’s ongoing support, confirming that the initiatives underway would be finalized and operationalized as scheduled.

“The Hanimaadhoo project exemplifies successful collaboration under India’s Neighbourhood First policy. It represents our shared commitment to nurturing prosperity, advancing progress, and strengthening people-to-people connections between India and the Maldives,” he concluded.