The UNGA President also acknowledged the important role played by India at the United Nations

India had proven to be the “pharmacy of the world” that assisted several countries in the remotest parts of the globe during the Covid-19 pandemic's recovery phase, President UN General Assembly (PGA) and Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid highlighted during his two-day visit to the country.

In a meeting with Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday, he acknowledged the pivotal role played by India during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dhankhar congratulated him for his exemplary leadership of the UN General Assembly, especially in wake of the COVID19 pandemic and ongoing international conflicts, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday.

"During the meeting, PGA acknowledged the important role played by India at the United Nations, including at the UN Security Council, where he termed it as a "source of pride” for not only South Asia, but for all peace loving democracies. Acknowledging India’s pivotal role during the pandemic recovery phase, PGA underscored that India had proven to be the ‘pharmacy of the world’ and assisted several countries in the remotest parts of the world," the MEA said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also received Shahid on Monday, and they discussed issues relating to the ongoing session of the 76th UNGA, as well as steps to further deepen bilateral relations.

"Glad to meet FM of Maldives and UNGA President @abdulla_shahid. Congratulated him on the achievements of his UNGA Presidency. Working together to advance our special relationship. India’s Neighbourhood First and Maldives’ India First policies complement each other," EAM Jaishankar tweeted.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra had called on Shahid on Sunday and briefed him on India’s priorities in the upcoming session of the UNGA, as well as, during India’s remaining tenure at the UN Security Council.

"H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid’s visit further strengthens India’s multifaceted partnership with Maldives, which occupies a central place in India’s "Neighbourhood First” policy," the MEA pointed out.