Maldives' top diplomat hails friendly ties after India renews essential items quota
Jaishankar said that India remains firmly committed to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, regional security and development policy.
By
Fathmath Ahmed Shareef
Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer has said that India's extension of permission to export essential commodites items to the Maldives for the coming year signifies the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries.
At the request of the Maldivian government, India has renewed its quota for export of essential commodities to Maldives under a special permit this year, the Indian High Commission in Maldives said on Friday. The quota for exports of food items as well as construction gravel was also increased by 5%.
India will always cooperate with Maldives in such areas under its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, the High Commission said.
Moosa Zameer thanked India and its External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar for arranging the quota on X:
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It shows the long-standing friendship between Maldives and India
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The two countries have a strong commitment to maintaining trade and economic relations in the future
Replying to the post, Jaishankar said that India remains firmly committed to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, regional security and development policy.
India's announcement of the increase in quota for import of basic items came after President Mohammed Muizzu announced that the Maldives is looking for alternatives to its dependence on India.
He also said:
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Work has been started with a Chinese company to grow food in Maldives
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An agreement has already been made with Turkey to import food staples; the first shipment under the agreement is now on its way
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Instead of bringing all pharmaceuticals from India, Maldives started procuring medicines directly from Europe and the US
