Male/New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who arrived in the Maldives earlier in the day, held productive discussions with his Maldivian counterpart Moosa Zameer that also saw the two ministers inaugurate six India-aided High Impact Community Development Projects and also the inking of MoUs between the two sides.
EAM Jaishankar, said in a post on X:
“Held productive discussions today with Foreign Minister @MoosaZameer in Malé.
*Agenda covered our engagement in development partnership, capacity building, bilateral and regional security, trade and digital cooperation.
*Jointly inaugurated 6 High Impact Projects in areas of street lighting, mental health, children speech therapy and special education.
*Witnessed signing of MoU between National Payments Corporation of India and Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Maldives on introduction of digital payment system in the Maldives.
*Welcome renewal of MoU between National Centre for Good Governance and Civil Services Commission on training of additional 1000 civil services officers.
“Look forward to my meetings and discussions tomorrow.”
Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer said that India remains a vital partner in achieving the Indian Ocean island nation’s developmental goals, and the two sides are committed to expanding the collaboration for mutual progress.
In posts on X the Maldivian FM said:
“Another milestone in India’s commitment to community empowerment in Maldives!
“Pleasure to hold discussions with the External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar, during his Official Visit to the Maldives.
“We reviewed our existing cooperation to deepen our partnership across various areas.”
“India remains a vital partner in achieving our developmental goals, and together, we are committed to expanding our collaboration for mutual progress.
“I am confident that this visit will further enhance our existing cooperation and promote a stronger partnership between our two nations.”
Naming the High Impact Community Development Projects that the two ministers jointly inaugurated, he said:
“Proud to jointly inaugurate with H.E. @DrSJaishankar’s six High Impact Community Development Projects completed under Indian grant assistance.
“These projects — Mental Health Unit in R. Ungoofaaru; Child Development Centre in HDh. Kulhudhuffushi; Inclusive Education Support Units in GDh. Thinadhoo, L. Gan and HA. Dhidhdhoo; and, street lights in the islands of Th. Thimarafushi, Th. Veymandoo and GA. Kondey — are directly linked to the communities of these islands. These projects enrich the lives of the people and also enhance the well being of the respective communities.
“The inauguration today highlights India’s dedication to advancing socioeconomic development in the Maldives,” he said.
On the exchange of MoUs, he said:
“I am pleased to witness with External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar the Exchange of the MoU between Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Maldives and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). The MoU will amplify the international finance opportunities, attracting foreign investment and support for economic development of the Maldives.
“The renewal of the MoU between the Civil Service Commission of Maldives and the National Center for Good Governance of India, will enhance capacity building for our civil service officers.
“I am confident that tonight’s renewal will further boost productivity and efficiency in our civil service!,” he posted on X.
The six High Impact Community Development projects completed under the Exim Bank of India’s line of credit include:
Mental Health Unit at Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital
Child Development Center at Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital
Inclusive Education Support Unit at Thinadhoo City Aboobakuru School
Inclusive Education Support Unit at Ihadhdhoo School, Laamu Atoll
Inclusive Education Support Unit at Haa Alifu Atoll Education Centre
Street lighting project in Thimarafushi and Veymandoo in Thaa Atoll, and Kondey in Gaafu Alifu Atoll
These projects aim to enhance healthcare, education, and infrastructure across the Maldives.
