Muizzu’s appeal for more Chinese tourists came amid a diplomatic row following the derogatory remarks by some Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Modi after he posted a video of him on a pristine beach during his recent visit to Lakshadweep.
The tension between India and Maldives rose after Mariyam Shiuna, now suspended, Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Lakshadweep.
During the visit, Maldives and China are expected to sign several agreements to further bolster their bilateral relations, and Xi will host a welcome ceremony and a welcome banquet for Muizzu. Earlier Maldives Presidents have visited India first, but Muizzu went to Turkey instead in November.
Maldivian President Muizzu said his top officials conveyed the Indian Government’s assurance to honour and respect the desire of the Maldivian people to abstain from accommodating foreign military presence within the country.
Muizzu departed for Turkey on Sunday with First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his visit. He recently secured UAE aid for India-funded Male Airport project, signalling a change in foreign policy to reduce dependence on India.
Zameer was appointed as the Maldives Foreign Minister by Muizzu after the latter took oath as the President on November 17 at a ceremony attended by Mahawar and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju. He promised External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to work with India on several issues of mutual interest.
Muizzu formally requested India to withdraw its military personnel from the country during a meeting with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju. India and the Maldives agreed to discuss 'workable solutions' to continue the use of Indian military platforms, said government sources.
There were 24 Indian military personnel to manage the first helicopter, 25 Indians to manage the Dornier aircraft, 26 personnel to manage the second helicopter, and two more for maintenance and engineering, Firuzul was quoted as saying by the Maldivian media.
Muizzu, a close associate of former Maldives President Abdulla Yameen who forged close ties with China during his Presidency from 2013 to 2018, defeated India-friendly incumbent Solih in the presidential runoff held in September.
Top News
Latest News
