A number of significant Memorandums of Understanding were exchanged between Maldives and India in various fields, expanding the cooperation between two countries at a ceremony held in Noonu Manadhoo. The ceremony was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid and the Minister of External Affairs of India, Dr S. Jaishankar.
At the ceremony, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel and Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar exchanged the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Republic of Maldives and Government of India for additional grant assistance of 100 million Rufiyaa for the High Impact Community Development Project scheme. A number of socio-economic development projects are planned to be implemented throughout the country under this funding.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel and Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar also exchanged the Memorandum of Understanding for the development of a sports complex in Gaafu Dhaal Gadhdhoo. This project will establish a Centre which will promote youth empowerment through sports and contribute to community development overall.
Additionally, Vice Chancellors of both Maldives National University and Cochin University of Science and Technology exchanged the Memorandum of Understanding on capacity building to facilitate exchanges and cooperative initiatives between the two universities in the area of education, research, development instruction, community service, staff and student exchanges.
During the ceremony, both Foreign Minister Shahid and External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar also witnessed the handover of two sea ambulances from the Government of India to the Ministry of Defence of Maldives which was a project carried out under the High Impact Community Development Project Scheme. The symbolic token was received by Deputy Minister of Defence, Uz. Hassan Zameel from the High Commissioner of India, Munu Mahawar. Minister of External Affairs Dr Jaishankar is on an Official Visit at the invitation of Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid from 18 to 19 January 2023.
