'Tangible results': On Maldives visit, EAM Jaishankar highlights development cooperation, capacity-building

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a cordial and fruitful meeting with Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid in Manadhoo on Wednesday afternoon.

During the meeting, they discussed the whole range of the unique bilateral relationship between India and the Maldives, covering development cooperation, capacity building, and people-to-people linkages.

Taking to Twitter, EAM Jaishankar wrote, "Warm and productive meeting with Foreign Minister @abdulla_shahid in Manadhoo today afternoon. Discussed the full spectrum of our special bilateral partnership with focus on development cooperation, capacity building and people to people ties."

He added, "The partnership with India has made a real difference to the lives of people. My visit was an opportunity to see tangible results."

In addition, EAM Jaishankar witnessed the exchange of agreements and handovers for: * Community development projects across Maldives. * The construction of a sports complex in Gahdhoo. * Academic collaboration between the Maldives National University and Cochin University. * Sea ambulance to the Maldives Defense Force.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maldives, both ministers noted the successful economic cooperation and the progress of projects that is being implemented under Indian grant assistance and line of credit schemes.

They exchanged views and shared their visions relating to development cooperation, tourism cooperation, human resource development, multilateral engagements, and consular affairs between both countries, the ministry added.

Additionally, Minister Shahid expressed gratitude to the Government of India for the constant support to facilitate and further develop economic, trade and investment ties between both countries, and for India’s commitment in the socioeconomic development of the Maldives.

Prior to this meeting, EAM Jaishankar visited the Noonu Mandhoo Preschool and distributed Indian books.

Earlier, on his arrival in the Maldives, he had tweeted, "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".

EAM Jaishankar is in the Maldives for a two-day official visit to continue the high-level interactions between the two nations. Later, he will also travel to Sri Lanka.