Maldivian president thanks India for support in Addu’s development

Indian State Minister for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan (L) pays a courtesy call on Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (C) in Gan, Addu City, on June 4, 2023. (Photo/President's Office)

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has thanked India for its continued support towards the development projects in Addu.

He expressed his appreciation during a courtesy call on him by the Indian State Minister for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan on Sunday.

The meeting took place in Gan, Addu City, as part of the president's ongoing visit to the city.

At the meeting, President Solih expressed satisfaction with the commencement of a number of significant projects during Muraleedharan’s visit to the Maldives.

He singled out the Gan International Airport (GIA) expansion project and the land reclamation project in Addu, both of which are financed by India.

Indian State Minister for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan (R) pays a courtesy call on Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (L) in Gan, Addu City, on June 4, 2023. (Photo/President's Office)

President Solih said that the GIA expansion project holds immense potential to reshape the country's economic landscape, facilitating the establishment of a robust economic hub in the southern region.

He said that the agreements under the High Impact Community Development Project scheme signed between the Maldives and India during Muraleedharan's visit, will foster greater collaboration and strengthen the ties between the two countries.

He also expressed appreciation to the government of India for its continued support in diverse domains such as infrastructure development, community empowerment, capacity building, healthcare sector advancement, sports cooperation, and tourism.

Speaking at the meeting, President Solih also conveyed condolences to the government of India and the affected families following the deadly train accident in Odisha state last weekend.

Minister of State for External Affairs of India, H.E. V. Muraleedharan, paid a courtesy call on President @ibusolih. The discussions centered on India’s generous support for Maldives’ socioeconomic development and reflected on the enduring partnership between Maldives and India. pic.twitter.com/kk9QSmC3M0
— The President's Office (@presidencymv) June 4, 2023

He reaffirmed the Maldives' solidarity with India during the challenging period and conveyed wishes for a successful recovery operation.

He also asked Muraleedharan to convey his warm regards to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Muraleedharan expressed gratitude to President Solih for his message of condolence and unwavering support.

They concluded the meeting by reiterating their shared determination to bolster bilateral relations through increased cooperation and people-to-people contact between Maldives and India.