The Maldives has signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the neighboring ally, India.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the announcement yesterday via Twitter. The MoUs were signed on the Greater Malé Connectivity project, the Sports and Youth Affairs project, and two High Impact Community Development Projects.
The most significant MoU signed was a USD 100 million grant for the Greater Malé Connectivity Project. This project involves the construction of multiple bridges and causeways extending to up to 6.7 kilometers. The project will be connecting the capital Male’ city with Vilingili, the industrial zone in Thilafushi, and the newly proposed International Port at Gulhifalhu.
The second MoU was signed for a project in Sports and Youth Affairs, which according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, requests for further training opportunities for the aspiring athletes and coaches, along with harnessing the new skills while letting the athletes gain valuable experiences. It was further said that this agreement will increase the connection between the citizens of India and Maldives.
The remaining two MoUs are regarding the High Impact Community Development (HICDP) scheme. This MoU involves India providing MVR 1,711,434.60 to Maldives for the construction of an Agricultural Research Centre in Hdh. Hanimaadhoo. Under this MoU, India will also help the island nation by providing MVR 7,980,536.69 to build a Drug Detoxification Centre in Hulhudhoo, Addu City.
The signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the presence of the Foreign Minister of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid and the Foreign Secretary of India, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, who arrived in the Maldives on 8th November.
While speaking at the ceremony, the Foreign Affairs Minister of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid stated that “Ours is a relationship of people, built on shared values, shared culture and traditions. India is the undisputed first responder, the best of friends, an invaluable partner.”
