NEW DELHI: India and the Maldives reaffirmed commitment to bilateral cooperation in a meeting between foreign minister S Jaishankar and his visiting counterpart Abdulla Khaleel, while signing an MoU for implementation of projects in the archipelago nation under grant assistance from India.
According to an Indian readout, Abdulla Khaleel appreciated the timely emergency financial assistance extended by India to Maldives in times of need, reflecting India's role as "First Responder" of Maldives.
"Foreign minister Khaleel reaffirmed President Muizzu's and Govt of Maldives' firm commitment to work closely with Govt of India in realising the joint vision for India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership," said Indian govt.
Jaishankar reaffirmed the importance India attaches to its bilateral ties with Maldives and assured continued support to Maldives, under India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision SAGAR or Security and Growth for All in the Region.
During the visit, both sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding for implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects under Phase-III in Maldives, through grant assistance by the Indian govt.
"This visit is part of continued high-level engagements between the two sides and has provided an opportunity to further deepen the bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of two countries and Indian Ocean Region," said govt.
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