President urges to strengthen relations with India

President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has said that Maldives needs to strengthen its bilateral relations with India more than with any other country.

Speaking at the meeting with Maldivian High Commissioner to India Abdul Azeez Yusuf and senior officials of the High Commission, the President said that in the current situation, the role of Maldivian High Commissioner to India is no ordinary role, and that he should be the High Commissioner with the most experience.

In response to High Commissioner Abdul Azeez’s request to change his residence to Male’ after three years as the Maldivian High Commissioner to India, the President told him that this will be facilitated soon; however, requested that he remains with the post with sincerity until an experienced, educated person is appointed to replace him.

The President said that the next High Commissioner to India would have to be a trustworthy person, who would make efforts to strengthen ties with India, and be prepared for dialogue whenever necessary.

The President expressed his gratitude to Abdul Azeez for his efforts to relay information regarding the change of government over the past three months, and said that India is now well aware of the political situation of the Maldives.

Abdul Azeez said that the current Maldivian Embassy is operated from a rented building, and expressed hope to soon build a Maldivian High Commission on the land provided by India. He also requested to increase the number of employees at the Embassy. The President referred to the ministers present at the meeting, and said that they will work towards facilitating Abdul Azeez’s request.

The President will today provide information on the current situation of Maldives to foreign media. Interviews will be given to Times of India, India Today, Hindustan Times, and The Daily Telegraph.