On Thursday, Bharat’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, held a significant meeting with Moosa Zameer, the Foreign Minister of Maldives, who was on his first official visit to New Delhi.
The meeting underscored Bharat’s unwavering commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First policy’, aiming to bolster ties with neighboring countries. Jaishankar expressed optimism that the discussions would pave the way for enhanced cooperation across various domains.
Welcomed FM @MoosaZameer of Maldives this afternoon.
My remarks at our talks: pic.twitter.com/T8t64bQxLT
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 9, 2024
Jaishankar in his statement highlighted the importance of nurturing ties with close neighbors like Maldives, emphasizing the mutual interests and sensitivity that form the basis of their relationship. He reiterated Bharat’s dedication to its Neighbourhood First policy and the SAGAR vision, which focuses on fostering cooperation and addressing challenges in the maritime domain.
The meeting aimed to strengthen the alignment of perspectives between the two countries across different areas of mutual interest.
The ministers engaged in fruitful discussions on bilateral and regional issues, seeking to deepen collaboration in areas of shared concern. The visit assumes significance as Bharat has announced the replacement of its military personnel stationed in Maldives before May 10, in response to evolving circumstances and bilateral agreements.
A pleasure to meet with H.E Dr. @DrSJaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India, in New Delhi. We reflected on our long history of bilateral partnership shared by mutual respect and understanding.
We exchanged perspectives on increasing engagement and exchanges between… pic.twitter.com/vNxcnzTlfG
— Moosa Zameer (@MoosaZameer) May 9, 2024
Bharat’s contributions to Maldives’ development were underscored during the discussions, with Jaishankar highlighting the significant assistance provided by Bharat, benefiting the lives of Maldivian citizens and enhancing their quality of life.
Minister emphasized Bharat’s role as the first responder in times of need, offering support on various occasions and extending financial assistance on favorable terms.
The cooperation between Bharat and Maldives extends beyond development assistance, encompassing security cooperation aimed at enhancing the well-being and safety of the Maldivian people. Shared activities, equipment provisioning, capacity building, and training initiatives have bolstered the security framework of Maldives, reflecting the depth of bilateral cooperation.
The impending deadline for the withdrawal of Bharatiya troops from Maldives, set for May 10, adds urgency to the discussions between the two countries. Both sides have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a smooth transition, with the recent meeting of the High-Level Core Group confirming the replacement of Bharatiya military personnel before the deadline.
Jaishankar reiterated the importance of reaching a mutual understanding to advance the relationship between Bharat and Maldives. He emphasized the common interests shared by both countries and underscored the need for cooperation to navigate challenges and seize opportunities for mutual benefit.
The meeting between the External Affairs Ministers of Bharat and Maldives marks a significant step towards strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two neighboring nations.
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