Ministers meet Swaraj: Ambassador recalled Maldives' new president visiting on 17 December

A few weeks before the first foreign visit of newly elected President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to India on December 17, the Maldives recalled their ambbadador to New Delhi on Monday. The Maldivian emissary, Ahmed Mohamed, appointed by his former president Abdullah Yameen and considered close to him, resigned Monday from his post. This decision came a few days after the inauguration of the new government led by Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

The decision on Solih's visit to India was made during a meeting between Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj and visiting Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid on Monday. Shahid was accompanied by Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer, Economic Development Minister Fayyaz Ismail, Foreign Minister Ahmed Khaleel and Foreign Minister Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed.

After the meeting, Shahid described relations with India as "time-tested" and "traditional" and said that he had badured the Indian government that the Maldives' new government valued and maintained its relations with India.

"Yameen thought that he could play against India against China and that he would be a puppet master … I want to play the role of a puppet master … Solih reorients Maldives 'relations to the region. "

Speaking of the Maldives' economy, Finance Minister Ameer said the country had been in financial trouble for five years, saying that favorable for investment, especially in the health and service sectors

Economic Development Minister Ismail said he wanted to put an end to the last five years of instability and that He was trying to solve all outstanding issues for Indian companies operating in the Maldives. "We hope to conclude a bilateral investment protection agreement," he said.

About 39, ac Free Trade Agreement with China, Foreign Minister Shahid said: "I asked my officials to review the document.

After the Attorney General's examinations Thanks to the pact, we will be able to make an informed decision.

On the Belts and Roads Initiative of China and Maldives' participation, the new Foreign Minister said that the Maldives intended to continue their cooperation not only with the China, but also with other countries. "We want to come out of isolation and dialogue".

According to a statement by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Swaraj reiterated that India attaches the utmost importance to its relations with the Maldives, marked by trust, transparency and mutual understanding. and sensitivity. "

" Shahid recalled the policy of his government "India first" and said that his government was eager to work with the Indian government … Minister Abdulla also recalled that the Government of Maldives would be sensitive to the security and safety of India. concerns, "said MEA statement.