Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Her Excellency Aishath Nahula Honourable Members of Parliament, High Commissioner of India to the Maldives His Excellency Sunjay Sudir Commissioner General of Customs, Controller of Immigration, Managing Director of Maldives State Shipping, Government officials, Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen
A new road for age old friends is what we embark upon today. A new road that is so deeply rooted in our culture and our heritage.
For centuries, the Maldives has been at the heart of economic trade routes in the Indian Ocean. During a time when the Maldives was the main source of cowry shells used as currency, we quite remarkably formed a friendship with our beloved neighbour that has stood the tests of time. The Maldives-India relationship continues to grow stronger and stronger.
Today, we are here to celebrate the historic maiden voyage of the Maldives-India Cargo Ferry Service, operating from tuticorin to Kochi in India, to H.Dh Kulhudhuushi and Male’ in the Maldives. This highly anticipated Ferry Service has made an incredible voyage of approximately 509 kilometres in the space of 5 days to join us here today. Reflecting on our treasured maritime history together, it was only natural to cultivate this connection with our closest friend, India.
Certainly, the establishment of this infrastructure will greatly improve the bilateral trade between the Maldives and India and will help revitalise the economy, especially in the North of the country. It is worth noting that the recent advancements in air connectivity between the Maldives and India propelled our neighbour India to the top of the list of tourist arrivals in the Maldives. Similarly, it is our hope that the boost in sea connectivity also positively impacts the economic trade between our two countries.
The fundamental backbone of this entire Ferry Service, is the value of people-to-people contact between our two countries. From traders to students to travellers, this Ferry Service is the living, breathing embodiment of the closeness of people-to-people contact between our two countries. It is this closeness shared by the people of Maldives and India, that has and continues to prosper over the years.
Since November 2018, the traditionally close, bilateral relationship between the Maldives and India has strengthened and deepened. And it is the close bond and friendship shared by the leaders of both countries – President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Prime Minister Modi – that remains the crucial factor in committing to a resolute Maldives-India partnership that provides us the guiding light and the courage, to work hard to deliver results, and make this partnership a successful one.
I would like to take this opportunity to offer my immense gratitude to the Government of India for their support in facilitating this extraordinary project. I would like to offer a special thanks to the Minister of External Affairs Dr. Jaishankar, for the high regard he places on the Maldives-India partnership. I would like to thank you, High Commissioner, and your team at the High Commission, for your tireless efforts in contributing to the success of this Ferry Service.
I would like to also take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to the local stakeholders especially, the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Economic Development, Maldives Ports Limited, Kulhudhuffushi Regional Port, Maldives Immigration, Maldives Customs Service, Maldives Food and Drug Authority, and Maldives State Shipping for their immeasurable work ethic in realising this monumental Ferry Service we see here today. Finally, I would like to thank the Kulhudhuffushi Council and the lovely people of Kulhudhuffushi for their display of togetherness and personal commitment in making this inauguration a wonderful and joyous occasion.
It is our sincere hope that the new road we embark on today, encourages the constant care and support between our long-time friends to inspire even greater journeys ahead in the future.
Thank you.