Discussions have been held between the Maldives and India on efforts to strengthen maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region. The discussions were held during the meeting held between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives Abdulla Shahid and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy, Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla on July 11.
During the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Shahid welcomed Vice Admiral Chawla to the Maldives and reflected on the historically strong bilateral relations between the Maldives and India, particularly in the field of defence and security cooperation. He also noted the important role played by the Indian Armed Forces in enhancing and developing the capacity of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
Minister Shahid and Vice Admiral Chawla discussed the importance of cooperation between countries in maintain peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region. The minister further reaffirmed commitment of the Government of the Maldives to focusing on strengthening maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region.
The foreign minister was accompanied by the Foreign Secretary Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed and Joint Secretary Mariyam Midhfa Naeem at the meeting.