The Government of the Maldives has acknowledged the prominent role played by India in the promotion of peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region. The statement was made by Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives Abdulla Shahid, during his meeting with the Chief of Naval Staff of India, Admiral R. Hari Kumar on April 19.
During the meeting, Minister Shahid welcomed the Indian Navy Chief to the Maldives and reflected on the robust defence ties between the two countries. The minister thanked the Indian Navy for the consistent contribution in bolstering the capacity of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and highlighted the prominent role India plays in promotion of peace and security in the region.
Minister Shahid and the Chief of Naval Staff further discussed on avenues to deepen the bilateral cooperation and strengthen the joint efforts in maintaining security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.
Minister Shahid was accompanied at the meeting by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel, Foreign Secretary Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed, Chief of Protocol Aishath Shaan Shakir and Joint Secretary Abdul Waris Saeed.