Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel has stated that the Maldives will not maintain any relations with other countries that could jeopardize its relationship with neighboring India, and that it will work as a partner with India for regional stability.
In an exclusive interview with India’s “Wion” newspaper during his official visit to India, responding to a question about rumors of Chinese research vessels visiting the Maldives, the Minister said no such vessels had come to the Maldives.
“No such vessel has visited the Maldives. As mentioned earlier, the Maldives’ relations with China or any other country will not affect our relationship with India. We will not do anything that could weaken ties with India. India is a country close to the hearts of Maldivians,” the Minister said.
The Minister said that the Maldives’ relations with countries are different from one another.
“For example, when talking about India, there is a historic, very close relationship between India and the Maldives. Similarly, we have relationships with other countries as well, not necessarily China or other countries, on different platforms, in different angles. Whether it’s commercial or for economic reasons, when we talk about India, we always see India’s relationship as the primary one. So, we are committed to that. Relations with other countries will not undermine our relationship with India because India is our closest neighbor and closest partner,” the Minister sai Minister said.
The Minister noted that India has been the first country to extend a helping hand to the Maldives in times of national disasters and other emergencies in the past. Therefore, he said they would not allow the opportunity for relations with any other country to weaken ties with India.
“In my view, the development of both countries will be peaceful. With peace established in the various parts of the Indian Ocean where unrest has arisen. And for that, for the stability of the Indian Ocean, especially for the security and safety of the Indian Ocean, the security and safety of various Indian Ocean countries will be ensured. And as I said, we consider our security and safety as India’s security and safety as well,” Dr. Khaleel said.
Revealing that the Maldives will cooperate with India for regional stability, Dr. Khaleel said that the Maldivian Defense Minister is scheduled to visit India very soon. He noted that this demonstrates the importance both countries place on regional security.
“Our Defense Minister will be visiting India very soon. This shows the security assurance for both countries in this region,” the Minister said.
