Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel is set to arrive in New Delhi on Thursday evening for a three-day visit to India. During his trip, Khaleel will meet with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Friday at Hyderabad House to discuss key areas of bilateral cooperation.
Appointed as the Maldives’ Foreign Minister on September 30, 2024, by President Mohamed Muizzu, Khaleel previously served as the Minister of Health. He has consistently recognized India’s “significant contribution” to the Maldives’ recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, a point he reiterated during past engagements.
This visit follows the landmark five-day state visit by President Muizzu to India in October 2024, during which Khaleel accompanied him. That trip, marked by insightful discussions and milestones in India-Maldives relations, set the stage for further collaboration. Both nations adopted a “Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership,” guiding their relationship across various sectors.
During President Muizzu’s visit, he met with President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other senior officials. Discussions covered the strengthening of the development partnership, financial assistance, and avenues for deeper collaboration. Muizzu expressed gratitude for India’s financial support, including a one-year interest-free extension of T-bills and a currency swap agreement amounting to $400 million.
In business forums held in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, Muizzu highlighted investment opportunities in the Maldives. These included special economic zones, luxury private islands, eco-friendly resorts, and integrated tourism projects, all part of the Maldives’ vision for sustainable growth and economic diversification.
As Khaleel meets EAM Jaishankar, discussions are expected to focus on progress across areas such as social housing, infrastructure, agriculture, trade, investment, healthcare, renewable energy, maritime security, women’s empowerment, and human resource development.
– IANS
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