On Monday, a Parliamentary delegation led by speaker of the people’s Majlis of Maldives called on Indian Vice-President and Chairman of Rajya Sabha M Veinkaiah Naidu in Parliament house.
Vice-President Naidu warmly welcomed the delegation. Mr Naidu mentioned the significant role played by Mr Mohamed Nasheed in ushering democracy in Maldives. Besides, he also acknowledges Mr Nasheed’s role in promoting bilateral ties between both the countries.
Along with this, Mr Naidu acknowledges his contribution as speaker of the people’s Majlis in bringing both the countries closer. He also noted that Parliaments are the bedrock of any democracy and closer ties between Majlis and Indian Parliament will give impetus to both the democracies.
Mr. Naidu also mentioned about bilateral relations between both the countries and said that India-Maldives share close neighbourhood ties and share history, culture and kinship. Above all, Vice-President Naidu stresses on common democratic values and multi-faceted partnership between both the countries.
Furthermore, he mentions that the strong tie between the two countries derives its strength from mutual trust, respect and sensitivity for each other’s concerns.
Mr Naidu mentions also mentions about high level visits and recall the state visit of President Solih to India in 2018 and visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2019. He mentioned that these visits have opened vistas for bilateral cooperation. India and Maldives are cooperating on range of areas including defence and security cooperation and capacity building.
Mr Naidu reiterated about India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ and said that it charted a new path of development and cooperation.
On this critical juncture, Mr Naidu also mentions about the importance of diaspora which have strengthened people-to-people contact and hence, gave boost to tourism in both the countries. He also mentions that from January-September, the tourism sector records an increase of 105% over 2018.
The delegation led by Mr Nasheed appreciated the friendly relationship and also hope that such visits will give impetus to the existing bonds.
