India and Maldives together have responsibility for regional peace & security: S Jaishankar

Male: External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar has underlined the strong partnership India has with Maldives and said that the two countries together have a responsibility for peace and security in the region. Dr. Jaishankar is on a three day visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka.

The minister held discussions with his Maldives counterpart Abdulla Shahid and jointly reviewed ongoing projects. The two sides signed and exchanged Memoranda of understanding which includes an additional grant of 100 million rufiyaas for High Impact Community Development projects.

Later In the evening, Dr Jaishankar called on Maldives President Ibrahim Salih and participated in the ground breaking ceremony of Hanimaadhoo International Airport Development project. The project under an indian credit line will add a brand new



terminal to cater to 1.3 million passengers an year. 

Dr Jaishankar reviewed several ongoing India backed projects including Greater Male connectivity project. The minister said the projects have made a real difference to the lives of people. The MoUs signed yesterday were termed as a reaffirmation of a strong developmental partnership between the two countries. 

Dr. Jaishankar also participated in the groundbreaking ceremony of Hanimaadhoo International Airport along with President Ibrahim Solih. The Airport development project is one of the largest investments outside the capital region. He will inaugurate a cultural center at Foakaidhoo after which He will proceed to Colombo later today where he will meet the Sri Lankan leadership.