The Maldivian President made the remarks at the official banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday….reports Asian Lite News
Acknowledging the enduring partnership between New Delhi and Male, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu said that India has consistently proven to be a steadfast ally for the island nation.
The Maldives President, who is on a state visit to India, made the remarks at the official banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday.
Muizzu reflected on the shared values, history, and cultural exchanges that had shaped the “enduring partnership” between Maldives and India over the years. He further said that the diplomatic relations between the Maldives and India, on its sixth decade, is poised to flourish to even greater heights.
He reiterated his electoral pledge of mutual respect between neighbouring nations. President Dr Muizzu also expressed confidence on strengthened relations with India, built on mutually beneficial solutions that serve the interests of the two nations.
‘Shared values of democracy’
President Droupadi Murmu emphasised India’s close relationship with Maldives during her address at the banquet hosted to welcome President Muizzu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday.
Speaking on occasion, President Murmu said, “It is an honour to welcome Mohamed Muizzu, President of Maldives, and First Lady Sajidha Mohammed at Rashtrapati Bhavan today. India and Maldives are not only interjoined by geography but also by our shared values of democracy. As close neighbours, we’ve celebrated each other’s successes and have stood by each other in times of need.”
She said that the vision document adopted during Muizzu’s visit would elevate the level of the relationship for both nations and would also provide a clear roadmap for achieving a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership.
President Murmu noted that India is one of the top trading partners of Maldives and highlighted that there is also potential for taking forward collaboration in the field of digital payments and other new technologies.
During the gala, President Muizzu reciprocated the sentiment, highlighting the centuries-old maritime connection between the two nations.
“Our friendship is built on centuries of maritime connection, trade, and cultural exchanges. India is a second home for many Maldivians for trade, healthcare, education, and tourism,” he stated.
Both leaders agreed on the advancement of the bilateral partnership that would benefit the people of both nations.
President Droupadi Murmu hosted Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed for a banquet at the Rashtrapati Bhavan earlier in the day.
During the interaction, Murmu said that Maldives is a close and an important partner under India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Vision SAGAR’ policies.
President Murmu and PM Modi received the Maldivian President and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed as they arrived at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Muizzu was accorded a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan earlier today.
Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar, along with EAM S Jaishankar and other leaders and diplomats from both nations, also attended the event.
The Maldives President arrived in India on Sunday on a five-day visit. Muizzu’s visit to India, has come upon the official invitation of President Droupadi Murmu.
This is the second time Muizzu is visiting India this year after attending the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this June. (ANI)
Muizzu, First Lady visit Taj Mahal
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu accompanied by wife First Lady Sajidha Mohamed paid a visit to Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh’s Agra on Tuesday.
President Muizzu, who is on a five day State visit to India arrived in Agra earlier this morning.
“President His Excellency Dr @MMuizzu and First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed arrived in Agra, where they will tour the historic Taj Mahal as part of the President’s State Visit to India,” the President’s office of Maldives wrote on X.
Taj Mahal stands majestically on the banks of River Yamuna, and is an architectural marvel. In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Yesterday, the Maldivian President held meetings with President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior officials.
Muizzu is on an inuagural bilateral visit to India from October 6-10.
He is in the country on an official invitation by President Droupadi Murmu. Upon his arrival in the country on Sunday, Muizzu was welcomed by Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Kiriti Vardhan Singh.