Relations between Maldives and India will continue, despite change of government: Defence Minister Nazim

Minister of Defence Colonel Retired Mohamed Nazim has said that governments of India and Maldives may change, but it will have no effect on the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The Minister made the statement at a ceremony held in Henveiru to open the military hospital ‘Senehiya’.

He said that official discussions will be held with Indian Defence Minister Shri A K Antony on further strengthening and expanding the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Nazim also assured India that Maldives will cooperate with India on marine security and other efforts to maintain security in the region.

“Maldives will cooperate with India in fighting threats arising from terrorism,” he said.

Senehiya was opened by Indian Defence Minister Shri A K Antony, who is currently on an official visit to Maldives.

Antony said that the symbol for the relations between Maldives and India is not a building in the Maldives; rather, it is the respect by both countries, in spite of their differences, for each other’s independence and sovereignty.

He said that Maldives and India share viewpoints on several regional and international issues, and stressed that the Indian Navy, political and economic power is greatly responsible for the maintenance of peace and order in this region.

Nazim said that Senehiya will provide good quality services, and that it is likely that it will be opened to the public in the future.

Currently, the hospital provides services only to Police and MNDF personnel and their families.

Antony said that the Indian Military will provide assistance in expanding the hospital services.

As part of his current trip to Maldives, Antony will lay the foundation stone for MNDF’s Composite Training School in Lh. Maafilaafushi, and pay a courtesy call on President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik.