Foreign Ministry urges public to refrain from actions that undermine ties with neighbouring countries

Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on the public to refrain from actions that might undermine the relations between neighbouring countries.

Foreign Ministry’s statement follows an act of vandalism targeted at the car of the High Commissioner of India to the Maldives on Monday.

The rear windshield of the Mercedes-Benz was broken around 18:45 Monday evening while the car was parked in front of the Indian High Commission on Ameer Ahmed Magu, Male’. No one was hurt in the incident.

“The Ministry wishes to call on all members of the public to refrain from activities that might undermine the close friendly relations that exist between Maldives and its close and friendly neighbours,” the Ministry statement read.

Condemning the attack, the Ministry assured that the Maldives Police Service is investigating the case and that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.

The President’s Office also issued a statement on Tuesday, stating that the Government of the Maldives “strongly condemns” the damage to the High Commissioner’s car.

The Indian High Commission on Tuesday issued a statement "forcefully" condemning the attack and alluding that such anti-Indian sentiments would damage ties between the two counties.

“It is also a matter of great concern that such acts impact on our otherwise close and robust bilateral ties,” the High Commission said.

The High Commission also expressed frustration as several bystanders, including a policeman who witnessed the attack, failed to react.

Police Commissioner Abdulla Riyaz said the issue of negligence is currently under investigation. “A policemen is stationed to guard the High Commission. We are currently looking into how the policemen reacted in this instance,” the Police Commissioner said.

Police promptly released a statement on Monday condemning the attack and assuring that the matter will be thoroughly investigated. They have urged the public to contact Maldives Police Service Hotline at 3322111 with any information on the individuals behind the attack.