NEW DELHI, Nov 9: In first in-person high level interaction since the outbreak of the Corona pandemic in March, the foreign secretary Harsh Shringla led an Indian delegation to Maldives for a two-day visit from Monday.
In a tweet, the High Commission of India in Maldives stated, “Transitioning from Virtual to Reality! Foreign Secretary @harshvshringla will lead an official delegation to the Maldives on 09-10 Nov. It is the 1st high level in-person interaction between the two sides in 2020. @mymea.in/f8v”.
A statement issued by Ministry of External Affairs stated, Shringla is expected to meet President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and have detailed meetings with the Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Defence, Finance, Economic Development, Planning, Home Affairs, Tourism and Youth & Sports and is also expected to call Speaker Mohamed Nasheed and consult with other political leaders.
Incidentally, it was only two days ago Dr Hussain Niyaaz the New High Commissioner (desig.) visited New Delhi to attend a briefing organised by the Ministry of External Affairs on COVID-19 related issues for diplomatic missions and international organisations.
The Ministry of External Affairs in a tweet stated, “Foreign Secretary @harshvshringla welcomed the new High Commissioner (desig.) of Maldives to India, H.E. Dr. Hussain Niyaaz today. He expressed the confidence that the special relationship with Maldives will continue to scale new heights”.
Maldives plays a distinct role in the ‘Neighbourhood First’ agenda, of India. This time-tested and enduring friendship with the Maldives has improved and deepened in recent months. India has also responded to the Maldives by extending assistance in coping with the COVID-19 crisis.
Shringla during his two-day visit will also review the full spectrum of bilateral relations, the status of on-going bilateral ventures, and address the on-going Covid-19 situation, including India’s continued assistance to the Maldives for its post-COVID-19 economic recovery.
The MEA statement said “the visit of the Foreign Secretary is a testament of the importance that India attaches to its relations with the Maldives and is expected to provide more impetus to cooperation between the two countries.”
(Venkatesh Iyer)