The Minister of State for External Affairs of India, V. Muraleedharan departed today from Velana International Airport after concluding his two-day Official Visit to the Maldives.
The Minister of State for External Affairs arrived in the Maldives on 3 June 2023 and during the visit the Minister of State called on President of Maldives, His Excellency Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and reflected on the long bonds of friendship between both countries. The Minister of State also called on Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid and reviewed significant milestones achieved in bilateral relations of both the countries during the past four years. Both Minister Shahid and State Minister Muraleedharan also discussed the ongoing projects under the grants and the lines of credit extended to the Government of Maldives, from the Government of India, through the Export Import Bank of India and High Impact Community Development Scheme. Minister Shahid expressed gratitude to the Government and the people of India for the constant support extended to the Maldives.
During the visit, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid and Minister of State for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan witnessed the exchange of ten agreements including the Memorandums of Understanding between the Government of Republic of Maldives and Government of India for Development of Arts Centre in Male', Development of Sh. Milandhoo Running Track, Construction of Lh. Hinnavaru New Council Office, Establishment of Mental Health Unit at Abdul Samad Memorial Hospital, Procurement of 4 School Buses for Fuvahmulah City, Kulhudhuffushi City, N. Kendhikulhudhoo and L. Gan, Development of Outdoor Gym in Addu City, Hithadhoo Beyrumathi Dhaairaa, Development of Outdoor Gym in Addu City, Hithadhoo Rasgedhara Dhaairaa, Development of Outdoor Gym in GDh. Vaadhoo, Development of Outdoor Gym in HA. Dhidhdhoo and School Digitalization Programme in L. Atoll Education Centre. The gifting of Antituberculosis medicine from the Government of India to the Government of Maldives also took place during this visit.
The Minister of State for External Affairs also attended the groundbreaking ceremony of Addu City reclamation project and Gan International Airport development project being constructed under the Indian line of credit. In addition, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives and Minister of State for External Affairs of India jointly inaugurated the Hithadhoo Tourism Zone – Falhoadhandifannu, Feydhoo Tourism Zone - Dhigihera and Hulhudoo Tourism Zone - Maafishi developed under Indian grant assistance in Addu City.
Minister of State for External Affairs was seen off at Velana International Airport by the senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.