New Delhi/Male, (thestates.news)| Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who arrived in Maldives on his maiden visit today, held talks with his Maldivian counterpart Mariya Ahmed Didi and also with the Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid. During his talks with Mariya Didi, the two sides discussed regional and global security issues of mutual concern, and agreed to further strengthen the cooperation in the defence and security domains.
He also interacted with senior officers of the Maldivian National Defence Forces, and highlighted that the bilateral defence cooperation is aimed at confronting common challenges and promoting peace and security in the region. Earlier, Rajnath Singh inspected the guard of honour before holding talks with his Maldivian counterpart Mariya Didi. The Ministry of Defence in a tweet said:
“The Defence Minister of India, H.E.@rajnathsingh, paid a courtesy call to the H.E Minister @MariyaDidi. Discussed regional and global security issues of mutual concern, and agreed to further strengthen the cooperation in the defence and security domains.” Rajnath Singh, in a tweet, said:
“It is always wonderful to meet the Defence Minister of Maldives, Ms @MariyaDidi. “Our meeting in Male today was very good. We exchanged views on multiple subjects including further boosting the defence partnership between India & Maldives.”
The Maldivian Defence Minister in a tweet said: “Thank you Defense Minister Shri @rajnathsingh for a productive meeting. The pleasure is entirely mine. It was yet another opportunity for us to discuss regional and global security issues of mutual concern and to deepen cooperation in the defence and security domains.”
On his meeting with the Maldivian Foreign Minister, Rajnath Singh said: “Happy to have met with Maldives’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Abdulla Shahid in Male today.” The Indian High Commission in Male in tweets said:
“Tackling common challenges and promoting shared interests RM @rajnathsingh interacted with senior officers of @MNDF_Official; highlighted that defence coop. between India-Maldives is aimed at confronting common challenges & promoting peace and security in the region.
“RM further complimented Armed Forces on both sides for their initiative & zeal in maintaining the close defence coop. In his remarks, the Maldives Chief of Defence Force Major General Abdhulla Shamaal “hailed India-Maldives partnership as an exemplary model that facilitates collaboration while ensuring mutual trust & respect.”
Rajnath Singh also paid homage at the 3rd November Memorial flag mounting ceremony in Malé. He was accompanied by Maldives Defence Minister Mariya Didi and Maj. Gen. Abdulla Shamaal, and senior officials from both sides. On his arrival in Male, Rajnath Singh was welcomed by his Maldivian counterpart and Maj Gen Abdulla Shamaal.
The two defence ministers are to attend a formal ceremony to hand over an Offshore Patrol Vessel, along with an assault landing craft and inaugurate the development project of the MNDF Coast Guard Harbour and repair facility at Sifavaru.
Rajnath Singh, who is in Male on a three-day visit, is expected to call on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. (UNI)
Rajnath Singh in Maldives, holds talks with Maldivian counterpart, FM Shahid
