India has stood by the Maldives through thick and thin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Mohamed Asim said on Thursday. He made the statement while speaking as the chief guest at a reception held to celebrate the 68th Republic Day of India.
Minister Asim also stated that “the excellent relations that exist between the Maldives and India, multidimensional since time immemorial, are founded on mutual respect and shared values. President Yameen’s India First policy reflects the importance the Maldives attaches to its closest neighbour, partner and faithful friend.”
He extended warm greetings and sincere good wishes on behalf of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, the Government and the people of the Maldives to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ambassador Akilesh Mishra and the people of India on the auspicious occasion.
Minister Asim also reflected on the excellent bilateral cooperation between the two countries and highlighted the significant contribution of India towards the social economic development of the Maldives. He thanked the Government and people of India for the generous assistance provided to the Maldives over the years and described Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies, and the ‘Senahiya Hospital’ as symbols of Maldives-India friendship.
The reception held at Dharubaaruge was hosted by the Ambassador of India to the Maldives.
On Thursday, Minister Asim also sent a message of greetings to his Indian counterpart, Sushma Swaraj on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day of India.
In his message, the Minister noted that the Maldives and India enjoys strong bonds of friendship based on mutual respect and goodwill, and said he remains confident that the relations will continue to flourish over the years in all spheres of development, working on mutual issues of international significance and on realising the common vision of a more peaceful and prosperous South Asia.