Indian envoy calls on Maldives president-elect Muizzu

Maldivian President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu met with the Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar on Wednesday, in his third meeting with a foreign diplomat upon being elected to office.

Mahawar paid a courtesy call on Muizzu at his residence, Dhimyath, in Male’ City, Dhimyath, on Wednesday afternoon.

The meeting was also attended by Vice President-elect Hussain Mohamed Latheef (Sembe).

At the meeting, Muizzu said he hopes to revive Maldives-India relations based on the principles of respect for sovereignty, and enhance the age-old special bond between Maldives and India to new heights.

He said the Maldivian people decided in the presidential election to protect the country’s sovereignty, and expressed confidence India will respect the decision.

Muizzu also expressed hopes to restructure the repayment of loans taken by the outgoing administration.

Mahawar responded by reaffirming India’s commitment to enhancing Maldives-India relations and to providing full support and cooperations in fulfilling Maldives’ developmental needs.

He provided assurance India will fully respect Maldives’ independence and sovereignty.

He also said India was ready to negotiate debt repayment.

The meeting with the Indian envoy marks Muizzu’s third meeting with a foreign diplomat upon being elected to office. It follows his meeting with the British High Commissioner Caron Röhsler in the morning, and with the Chinese Ambassador Wang Lixin earlier in the afternoon.

At his victory rally on Monday, Muizzu described the incoming administration’s foreign policy as “pro-Maldives.” He said his administration would foster relations with all foreign governments that respect the policy.

The opposition PPM-PNC’s Muizzu won the presidential runoff election held on Saturday with 54 percent of votes, beating MDP’s Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the incumbent president, who won 46 percent.

Muizzu will be sworn into office on November 17.