Minister Shahid: India is always first to heed calls for assistance

Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has expressed gratitude towards neighboring India and noted that it has always been the first country to extend a helping hand to the Maldives in times of need.

The Minister was addressing a ceremony in Hindhi, held last night in Dharubaaruge to celebrate the 71st Republic Day of India when he stated that India and Maldives were conjoined by the sea.

“If the Maldives is the heart of the Indian Ocean, India would be a very important place,” said Minister Shahid who noted that collaboration and cooperation were needed to further the ties between the countries.

“The relationship we have was built on years of trust and friendly relations. The Maldives will always maintain that relationship,” said Minister Shahid.

Ambassador of India to the Maldives H.E Sunjay Sudhir also spoke at the ceremony and stated that a lot of works were in motion to further the already excellent relations. India was also working to develop the Maldivian economy and the ambassador hailed the fact the 18 agreements have been signed between the two countries to develop different sectors of the Maldives.