Maldivian Prez
Modi, Maldivian Prez launch Gr Male connectivity projects, seal 6 deals
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih jointly launched the 'Greater Male connectivity projects', after holding high-level talks in Delhi on Tuesday.
"We have also decided to provide an additional line of credit of USD 100 million to the Maldives so that all projects can be completed in a timely manner," Modi said in his joint statement with President Solih.
Both countries also sealed as many as six pacts on areas like cyber security, disaster management, and police infrastructure development, following the talks between the two leaders.
Read: Modi holds talks with visiting Maldivian President
"Maldives-India relationship goes beyond diplomacy. This visit is an affirmation of the close bond between our two countries," President Solih told the media.
Earlier in the day, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted to describe the bilateral ties as "a partnership bound by the waves of the Indian Ocean, underpinned by close historical and cultural ties."
President Solih arrived in Delhi on Monday on a four-day visit to India. A high-level business delegation is accompanying him.
"A warm welcome to a close friend and maritime neighbour! President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih of Maldives arrives in New Delhi for an official visit," Indian External Affairs Ministry tweeted after his arrival.
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"An opportunity to nurture the unwavering friendship between our two countries and lend further momentum to the multifaceted partnership,” the Ministry wrote.
On Monday itself, President Solih held a meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who later said that "India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and the Maldives' 'India First' policy are complementary".
President Solih's visit comes barely a week after India gave its nod to a pact for judicial cooperation between the two countries. The Maldives is one of India's key maritime neighbours.
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