Maldives News Bulletin Volume 111

India’s External Affairs Minister pays a courtesy call on the President

The Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India, His Excellency Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, paid a courtesy call on President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The meeting was held at the President’s Office, on Saturday.

During the meeting, the President welcomed the Indian External Affairs Minister to the Maldives. He reiterated his gratitude to the Indian government, for the warm and kind hospitality during his visit to India, to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Narendra Modi, in June this year.

Speaking during the meeting, the Indian External Affairs Minister sent greetings to the President on behalf of India’s Prime Minister, and thanked the President for attending the swearing-in ceremony. He expressed Indian Government’s readiness to provide support in all areas where the Maldives needs it. The President noted the close and historic ties between the two countries, and reiterated the commitment of the Government to enhancing the relationship.

During the call, the President and the Indian External Affairs Minister discussed implementation of existing projects, as well as areas for future collaboration, including in economic, housing, defence, tourism, capacity development and infrastructure development.

The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to support each towards the development and benefit of both countries, and for a prosperous and strengthened Maldives-India relations in the coming years.

H.E. Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India, is currently on an official visit to the Maldives.

India, Maldives hold official talks

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Moosa Zameer, held bilateral talks with Minister of External Affairs of India Dr. S. Jaishankar, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both Ministers engaged in extensive and thorough dialogue, expressing their commitment to further solidify the longstanding relations between the Maldives and India.

During the official discussions, Minister Zameer expressed his appreciation for India’s continued assistance in the socio-economic advancement of the Maldives. Minister highlighted the vital role of Indian grant assistance and Line of Credit schemes in improving infrastructure and community livelihoods across the Maldives.

Both Ministers agreed on the necessity of intensifying the partnership between the Maldives and India, particularly in the areas of trade and investment, to foster more opportunities for foreign direct investments. Additionally, they reviewed collaboration in human resource development, economic cooperation, multilateral engagement, and defense and maritime security cooperation between the Maldives and India. Minister Dr. Jaishankar is on a three-day official visit to the Maldives on an invitation by Minister Zameer, marking the first official visit of a highlevel dignitary to the Maldives under the current administration.

President states that the Maldives is committed to preserving and strengthening the relations with India

President H.E. Dr Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed his administration’s full commitment to strengthening the historic and close connections between the Maldives and India. He stated that India has always been one of the closest allies and invaluable partners, facilitating and providing aid whenever Maldives has needed it. He made these remarks while speaking at the ceremony held at the President’s Office today, to handover the completed water supply and sewerage facilities on 28 islands in the Maldives, funded by the Government of India’s Line of Credit Facility through EXIM Bank of India.

In his remarks the President highlighted that these initiatives would provide significant economic benefits, boost the local economies, and together contribute to the nation’s prosperity. He further added that these projects are key milestones in the Maldives’ bilateral relations with India.

Speaking at the ceremony, the President extended deep gratitude to the Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Narendra Modi, the government, and the friendly people of India for their generous and continued assistance to the Maldives. The President also recalled his recent visit to India, to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi and expressed appreciation for the invitation and the opportunity to meet the Prime Minister as well as President of India, Her Excellency Droupadi Murmu.

The President also emphasized that the High Impact Community Development Projects under Indian Grant Assistance demonstrate both countries’ close engagement in socioeconomic development. He went on to say that numerous revolutionary initiatives are now underway as part of this initiative, and that the plan is to accelerate their delivery to communities. He also expressed appreciation for the flexibility offered in restructuring the line of credit arrangement.

The President concluded his speech by emphasizing that centuries of friendship, mutual respect, and a strong sense of kinship have nourished the relations between the Maldives and India. He further stated that Maldivians value the deep and historic ties with the Indian people and are committed to its preservation and enhancement.

He also expressed optimism, saying he anticipates seeing MaldivesIndia cooperation prosper and develop in the coming years.

The President expressed his appreciation to Minister Dr. Jaishankar, for the efforts to strengthen relations between the Maldives and India. Minister Dr. Jaishankar is making an official visit to the Maldives.

Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India arrives in the Maldives

Minister of External Affairs of India, His Excellency Dr. S. Jaishankar arrived on a three-day Official Visit to the Maldives Friday evening.

On arrival Minister Dr. Jaishankar was received at Velana International Airport by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Moosa Zameer, High Commissioner of Maldives to India Ibrahim Shaheeb, and senior officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During this visit, Minister of External Affairs is to call on the President of the Maldives His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and hold meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Minister of Defence. A joint meeting is to be held with the Minister of Finance, Minister of Economic Development and the Governor of the Maldives Monetary Authority.

During this visit, Minister of External Affairs and Minister of Foreign Affairs will jointly inaugurate some projects undertaken with the Indian grant assistance, in addition to witnessing the exchange of MoUs in the areas of training and capacity building, Commerce and Trade.

The Minister of External Affairs is also scheduled to review the progress of the Greater Male’, connectivity Project and travel to Addu City where handover ceremony of reclamation and shore protection project and inauguration of 4-lane detour link road under the Addu development project will take place.

The Minister of External Affairs is visiting the Maldives on the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer. This is the first official visit of Minister Dr. Jaishankar to Maldives since assuming office for a second term in June 2024.

The President attends the official handover ceremony of the 28 Water and Sewerage facilities established under Exim Bank’s Line of Credit Facility of India

His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu attended the ceremony for the “official handover of the water and sewerage facilities in 28 islands, with the assistance of Government of India, financed through the Line of Credit Facility by the EXIM Bank of India”. This ceremony was held at the President’s office, this afternoon.

During the ceremony, the Minister of Indian External Affairs, His Excellency Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, officially handed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, His Excellency Moosa Zameer, the completed projects from the Government of India to the Government of the Maldives, including water supply facilities on twenty-two islands, sewerage facilities on two islands, and combined water supply and sewerage facilities on four islands.

The key components of the water supply projects include installing Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants, water storage tanks, water distribution pipelines, and water meter connections, as well as constructing administrative offices and implementing brine outfall systems. Additionally, solar panels have been installed on the administrative office roof to partially supply the power needed for RO plant operations through renewable energy.

The sewerage system involves the laying of sewerage network pipelines, house connections, the construction of sewage pumping stations, and the implementation of a sea outfall system.

This project was initiated to provide clean water and safe sanitary facilities to in the Maldivians. With the inauguration of 28 facilities today, 28,298 of the intended beneficiaries have now received these essential services, covering 7 percent of the total population of the Maldives.

Landmark projects handed over to the Maldives

A ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to mark the handover of six projects implemented under the High Impact Community Development Projects facilitated under the Grant Assistance from India, as well as the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding on the integrated payment system between the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Maldives, and the National Payments Corporation of India. Additionally, an exchange notes for the renewal of the MoU to train 1,000 Civil Service Officers was exchanged between Civil Service Commission of the Maldives and the High Commission of India.

During the ceremony, the following projects were reviewed and virtually handedover with participation from the respective line Ministries and implementing agencies:

1. Establishment of a Speech Therapy Unit at Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital,

2. Strengthening of Inclusive Support Units at Aboobakuru School (Gdh. Thinadhoo),

3. Ihadhdhoo School (L.Gan) and HA. AEC (Ha.Dhidhdhoo),

4. Installation of streetlights projects in three islands Th. Thimarafushi, Th. Veymandoo, and Ga. Kondey.

5. Mental Health Unit at R. Ungoofaaru Hospital.

Following the virtual handover both Ministers witnessed the exchange of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Maldives and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in the field of enhancing and expanding digital and integrated payment systems. The MoU was exchanged by the Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Maldives and the CEO of NPCI of India.

Subsequently, the Ministers witnessed the exchange of Notes between the President of the Civil Service Commission of Maldives and the High Commissioner of India to Maldives, for the renewal of the MoU to train 1,000 Civil Service Officers.

Minister of External Affairs of India His Excellency Dr. S. Jaishankar, is on an official visit to the Maldives.

President sends message to Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh

President H.E. Dr Mohamed Muizzu congratulated H.E. Dr Muhammad Yunus following his appointment as the Chief Adviser of the interim government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. In a post shared on social media platform X, President Dr Muizzu emphasized that as a longstanding friend and close partner, the Maldives wishes unity, peace, and prosperity for the people of Bangladesh under his leadership. Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Bangladesh were established on September 22, 1978.

Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital launches plastic surgery service

Plastic surgery services have been introduced at the Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital. This is the first time the service has been launched in a hospital outside of capital Male’ City.

Plastic surgery services were launched at the hospital as part of their service expansion. The service will be provided at the hospital in partnership with Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).

Acting Medical Director, Head of Department of Surgery and first subspecialist of plastic surgery of IGMH Dr Mohamed Waheed will lead the service at Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital. Dr Waheed also played an important role in introducing wound care and laparoscopic surgery to the hospital.

With the introduction of plastic surgery services at the hospital, treatments can now be offered to scars caused by burns and other injuries caused by fires and other incidents. The hospital will be providing the service as an outreach programme, with the aim of expanding the service in a sustainable manner.

Vice President graces the closing ceremony of ‘Visit Maldives Pro 2024

IGMH to expand service provision, to offer open heart surgery

The Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has disclosed that the hospital is working to expand services provided by the hospital and introduce services to the diseases that most Maldivians go abroad for treatment. This was disclosed by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of IGMH and Dharumavantha Hospital Dr Shah Mahir.

Speaking to PSM News, Dr Shah Mahir disclosed that IGMH is working to develop treatments for cancer, heart disease, stroke and brain diseases in the Maldives. He added that open heart surgery is planned to be performed at the hospital in the coming months. He also stated that the hospital is working to introduce vascular surgery as well. The Deputy CEO stated that the introduction of such specialties will increase the overall health services. He noted that the changes brought to the entire health system will improve the services of IGMH.

Noting that one of the reasons for the delay in services at the hospital is the lack of bed capacity, the Deputy CEO stated that the construction of the 74-bed four-story building will increase the bed capacity of the hospital. The 29 years old hospital currently has a bed capacity of about 350 beds.

MMA announces recruitment of five Managing Directors

The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has announced the recruitment of five Managing Directors, following the changes to its structures to strengthen the work of the Authority and produce better results. The authority announced that applicants should have at least five years of experience in the MMA or finance sector. They should also hold a Degree and a Master’s Degree level in finance or business or in a related field. At least three years of experience in an executive position is also required.

Areas announced for recruitment of Managing Directors: • Monetary Policy • Research and Statistics • Financial Stability • Banking Operations • Corporate Service • Financial Sector Development.

The appointments are made for a term of five years and can be extended depending on the strength and productivity of the work showcased by the individual. Interested individuals from the public can also apply for the positions. Interested candidates are invited to apply for the position before August 22nd.

Changes to the structure of the central bank were brought up in consultation with the MMA Board and approved by the newly appointed Governor of the MMA, Ahmed Munawwar. With the new changes, the post of Assistant Governor has been transferred to the post of Managing Director. The existing Assistant Governors have been promoted to advisors.

Bunkering service will create more job opportunities, business: MPL

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) Mohamed Wajeed has stated the bunkering service will create more job opportunities and businesses. He made the statement while speaking on a programme of PSM News.

The CEO of MPL disclosed the company is developing accommodation facilities for staff before commencing the bunkering service. As such, he stated that the accommodation buildings will be completed by August 21. The company aims to commence the bunkering service on August 22.

Wajeeh that MPL will be providing a list of services related to the bunkering service. As such, he noted that the company will provide water bunkering services, clean water supply, cruise terminal pilotage and tower services. He also stated that services like supply of food, lubricants and spares will also be provided by MPL as part of the bunkering service.

Noting these transactions will be conducted in US dollars, Wajeeh highlighted that this would bring in millions of dollars into the economy. He said that MPL has begun recruitment process for new staff to provide these services.

Furthermore, Wajeed noted this will also create more business opportunities and increase the economic activities carried out in the area. He added that the government aims to make the maritime industry the third largest industry in Maldives. Two-4,000 tonne oil tankers are scheduled to be brought in to start bunkering services in the north of Maldives.

The government is implementing the bunkering service in two phases. During the first phase MPL will be providing an off-port bunkering service. For the second phase of the project, the government aims to develop a port with all other services required. The bunkering service is the supply of fuel to marine ships and vessels.

Gov’t to introduce special loans for guesthouse development

Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal has stated the government will be announcing special loans for guesthouse development.

Speaking at a press conference, Minister Faisal noted the government will this year open special loans aimed at youth to develop guesthouses. He said it was time for the country’s youth to invest in tourism. The Minister added that discussions have been held with the Bank of Maldives and the Maldives Islamic Bank regarding the loan scheme.

Additionally, Minister Faisal disclosed that the Tourism Ministry is working on a master plan to develop tourism in all the atolls. He added that the master plan would also help to note the islands where more one island one resort concept can be developed, bring in more investments and address the issue of bed capacity in guesthouses.

The Minister has earlier stated that a percentage of the budget allocated to the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) would be used to promote the tourism of Maldivian atolls. Currently, 118 guesthouses are operating in 20 atolls, contributing 23% of SOURCE : PSM the total bed capacity with 14,707 beds.

Tourism Ministry, MMPRC, MATATO briefs media on successful completion of Welcome India

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) has briefed media on the latest tourism industry updates and highlights from the highly successful “Welcome India” Roadshow series concluded last week.

Minister of Tourism, Ibrahim Faisal; Advisor to the President on Tourism Development, Mohamed Khaleel; Chairperson of MMPRC and President of the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO); and the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of MMPRC, Ibrahim Shiuree also attended the briefing.

MMPRC shared insights into its operations, outlining strategies and initiatives designed to highlight the Maldives’ unique experiences and drive Indian and global travel trade growth.

MMPRC highlighted the successes of “Welcome India” roadshow, a collaborative effort between MMPRC, MATATO, and NHGAM, conducted from 30th July 2024 to 3rd August 2024. The three-city roadshow series, which spanned New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore aimed to maintain the Maldives’ destination presence, connect with B2B travel trade partners, and reinforce the Maldives as the premier holiday destination for Indian Travellers. MMPRC, MATATO and NHGAM were joined at this event by 23 industry partners from the Maldives. The Maldives delegation at the event also included Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal and Advisor to the President Mohamed Khaleel.

At the “Welcome India” roadshow a comprehensive destination showcase offering an overview of the Maldives’ diverse tourism products and experiences was presented to a wide audience. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in one-on-one meetings with Maldivian tourism representatives, explore business opportunities, and build lasting partnerships. Additionally, Island Aviation and Sri Lankan Airlines highlighted the enhanced connectivity options to the Maldives with individual presentations.

MMPRC said that India remains a crucial market for the Maldives and the agency will continue to solidify the Maldives’ appeal in this market.

Terrestrial broadcasting project in full swing

Managing Director of Public Service Media (PSM), Zeena Zahir has disclosed that the digital terrestrial broadcasting project is in full swing with the construction of buildings in 12 islands completed. She made the remarks during the 11th Joint Committee meeting of the Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting Operation Capacity Improvement Project.

The digital terrestrial broadcasting project aims to provide timely disaster information and general information. It is a joint project by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, National Disaster Management Authority, Maldives Meteorological Centre, Communication Authority of Maldives, Broadcasting Commission and PSM. PSM was awarded the implementation of the project, and it is being conducted with the aid of Japanese government.

Speaking at the committee meeting, the Managing Director of PSM noted the deadline for completion and delivery of the project has been extended to July 2026.

She highlighted the Ministry of Finance and other relevant agencies are working together to continue the project with no delays, despite the budget constraints.

The main objective of the digital terrestrial broadcasting project is to establish a nationwide system to send emergency information alerts to TV and digital devices, to provide the public with the latest most updated information. The project will cover 92% of the islands’ population and will also be implemented in areas where the service is not available.

Maldives, Turkey discuss enhancing higher education opportunities

Maldives and Türkiye have held discussions aimed at enhancing higher education opportunities for the Maldivians. The discussions were held between the Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development Dr Maryam Marya and the Rector of OSTİM Technical University Dr Murat Yülek. The Minister also held meetings with other wellrenowned universities during her official visit to Türkiye.

During the meeting, Minister Dr Marya and Rector Dr Yülek signed an agreement pertaining to aid in the higher education sector. They observed the laboratory works and discussed ongoing projects of the university.

OSTİM Technical University is a university which conducts several courses in various technical and innovative fields.

Additionally, Minister Dr Marya also met with Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The two parties held extensive discussions focused on creating more scholarship opportunities in Türkiye for Maldivian students.

Minister Dr Marya’s official trip to Türkiye is set to conclude today. The minister undertook the trip, at the invitation of Türkiye. She is accompanied by Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development Aminath Shashee and Permanent Secretary Aminath Hikma.

Gov’t to train financial managers for fisheries sector

Four councils express interest in acquiring uninhabited islands

Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar has disclosed that four island councils have expressed interest in acquiring uninhabited islands. He stated that those councils have already submitted their documentation for the acquistion.

Minister Adam Shareef disclosed that the island councils of Inguraidhoo, Raa Atoll, Kudahuvadhoo, Dhaalu Atoll, Maavashu, Laamu Atoll and the Atoll Council of Meemu Atoll submitted their proposals to acquire islands for economic development. He noted that the proposals would be forwarded to the President’s Office upon the completion of the Ministry’s review.

Urging all the councils to use the opportunity provided by the government, Minister Adam Shareef noted that availability of the islands for 25 years is essential to empower councils. He also stated that it will provide opportunities for youth and make way for the development of industrial activities.

Earlier this year, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu pledged to would make it easier for councils to obtain permits to operate incomegenerating businesses. He stated that the administration aims to make all the islands and the island communities self-reliant. As such, he announced that uninhabited islands will be leased to the councils for economic activities. The islands will be leased for 10 to 25 years.

Gov’t begins “Haalu Kihineh?” programme in Villimale

Plan on holding an investment forum in India: Tourism Minister

Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal has stated that he intends to hold an investment forum in neighbouring India aiming to bring in investors of the country. He made the statement during a press conference held to mark the successful conclusion of the Welcome India roadshows, to promote the Maldives as a top destination in the country.

Speaking at the press conference, Minister Faisal disclosed that discussions were held with relevant agencies to promote Maldivian tourism in India, as well as to seek investments. As such, he noted that discussions were held on finding connectivity projects before the completion of the Hanimaadhoo Airport and Addu Airport. He stated that discussions were also held on finding tourism investments for the two areas.

Furthermore, Minister Faisal met with the Indian Minister of Tourism and the Minister of Civil Aviation on the sideline of the roadshows. The Indian Ministers assured the Maldivian government of their cooperation in boosting the Maldivian tourism industry.

Faisal stated that his intention is to hold an investment forum in India in consultation with the President and the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC). Noting that the Ministry gives high importance to the Indian market, the Minister added that roadshows will also be held as part of the investment forum.

The Welcome India road shows were organized by MMPRC, Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators and the National Hotels and Guesthouses Association of Maldives. The shows were held in three major cities of India: New Delhi on 30 July, Mumbai on 01 August and Bangalore on 03 August.

Speaking to the press, Managing Director of MMPRC Director Ibrahim Shiuree stated that the roadshows has dispelled the frustration against Maldives in the market. He added that more tourist arrivals from the Indian market are expected in the coming low season. Statistics of the Ministry of Tourism shows that Maldives has so far this year, welcomed more than 73,000 tourists from India.