After assuming office in 2019 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reached Maldives on Wednesday and marked his fourth visit to the island country.
Taking to Twitter Foreign Minister Jaishankar said, “Delighted to arrive in Maldives for my fourth visit as External Affairs Minister. Thank FM @abdulla_shahid for the warm welcome. The synergies of India’s Neighborhood First and Maldives’ India First policies strengthen further.”
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid also welcomed Jaishankar with an open heart and tweeted, “Welcome to the Maldives my dear friend @DrSJaishankar! And this time to the northernmost atolls, to bear witness the impact of developmental assistance extended through the ever-reliable #MaldivesIndiaPartnership.”
Posting a video on social media Shahid wrote, “Leaving HA Dhidhdhoo to N. Maafaru to receive External Affairs Minister of India @DrSJaishankar on his fourth official visit to the Maldives.”
Moreover with this Jaishankar marked his fourth visit to the Maldives since 2019. Earlier it was announced that signing agreements related to the bilateral development cooperation Jaishankar will visit Maldives and Sri Lanka from 18-20 January.
“EAM’s visit will see the signing of agreements related to the bilateral development cooperation, ground-breaking/ inauguration/ handing-over and launch of a number of key India-supported projects that will contribute to the socio-economic development of the Maldives,” the MEA statement read.
However, in January 2021 and March 2022, Jaishankar visited Sri Lanka. India has always stood by Sri Lanka as Sri Lanka is a close friend and neighbor.
“During the visit, EAM will call on President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and also hold discussions with Minister of Foreign Affairs MUM Ali Sabry on the entire gamut of close India-Sri Lanka partnership and steps to strengthen it in all spheres,” the statement stated.