Maldives (Commonwealth Union)_ In an attempt to strengthen the relationship between the two nations, Maldives and India have exchanged three major Memorandums of Understanding in a variety of sectors. Accordingly, a special event was organized to exchange the agreements. Abdulla Shahid, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India, were present at the event conducted on Manadhoo island of Noonu atoll.
During the ceremony, Ahmed Khaleel, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Munu Mahawar, Indian High Commissioner, exchanged the first Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Maldives and the Government of India for additional fund support of 100 million Rufiyaa for the High Impact Community Development Project. These funds will be used to undertake several socio-economic development initiatives around the nation.
Next, Ahmed Khaleel, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Munu Mahawar, Indian High Commissioner, exchanged the second MOU, which is for the establishment of a sports facility in Gaafu Dhaal Gaahdhoo. This project aims to construct a center that promotes youth empowerment through sports and contributes to the general growth of the community.
Finally, the Vice Chancellors of Maldives National University and Cochin University of Science and Technology exchanged the third Memorandum of Understanding. This Memorandum of Understanding aims to improve capacity building to encourage exchanges and cooperative initiatives between the two institutions in the fields of education, research, development, community service, and staff and student exchanges.
The Indian Minister of External Affairs and the Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs also engaged in bilateral discussions and shared their perspectives on bilateral development cooperation, tourism cooperation, human resource development, multilateral engagements, and consular affairs. At present, Minister Dr. Jaishankar is on a two-day official trip to the Maldives, continuing a tradition of high-level discussions between the two nations.
