New Maldives FM says he looks forward to working with India on issues of mutual concern

The new Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer told his Indian counterpart on Saturday that he looks forward to working together on issues of mutual interest.

Zameer made the remark in reply to a post on X by Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, congratulating him on his appointment as the new Maldivian Foreign Minister.

In his message, Jaishankar said he looks forward to working closely with Zameer to further the relations between Maldives and India, which he described as “special.”

Zameer thanked Jaishankar, and said he looks forward to working with him on issues of mutual interest and concern, and to recalibrate and advance the time-tested relationship between Maldives and India, for the betterment of the people of both countries.

Thank you, Excellency.

I look forward to working with you on issues of mutual interest and concern, and to recalibrate and advance the time-tested relationship between our two countries for the betterment of our people. https://t.co/icMywgvJVW

— Moosa Zameer (@MoosaZameer) November 18, 2023

Delivering his inaugural speech on Friday, the new Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, reiterated his commitment to removing Indian military personnel from the country.

“Lines of independence and sovereignty will be drawn clearly. The foreign military presence will be removed,” he said.

But he also said he will keep friendships with foreign countries, promising that there won’t be “any enmity with countries, close and far away.”