President: India assisted Maldives the most during COVID-19

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has expressed gratitude towards neighboring India for assisting the country in times of need during the situation with COVID-19.

Responding to a question by a journalist in a press conference, the President said in every way, whether it was through the supply of medicine, food, or financial aid, India had assisted the Maldives the most during COVID-19.

"Due to COVID-19, the government of India has assisted the most. I earnestly thank the Indian government on behalf of the Maldivian government and the citizens of the country for that." said the President.

The President also highlighted on the recent assistance provided by India such as permitting 37 cancer Maldivian patients to travel to the country to receive treatment at a time when India is under lockdown due to COVID-19.

The President said that he was hopeful of continued Indian assistance in different ways to the Maldives in the future. 

"I have full confidence that further assistance would be received from India in the future as well. India is a close and friendly partner of the Maldives," said President Solih.

Other than India, Maldives has also seen assistance from the regional rival China during the situation with COVID-19. China has also provided PPEs and test kits to the Maldives due to COVID-19 and even agreed to reduce loan repayments.