Maldives News Bulletin Volume 112

Discover latest updates of the Government

Author

The President's Office
August 11, 2024

Date: August 11, 2024 | Volume: 112

Vice President attends function to celebrate 10th anniversary of “Rakkaa” programme

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef attended the function held to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the “Rakkaa” programme. The function was held at Fuvahmulah School in Fuvahmulah City this evening.

The “Rakkaa” programme is a road safety awareness programme initiated by the Maldives Police Service in 2014. This year, the “Rakkaa” road show 2024, organised by the Maldives Police Service and participated in by State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and private sector companies, will take place in Fuvahmulah City.

The programme is divided into two segments. The first segment, the 100th School Traffic Monitors Programme, was held from the 3rd to the 8th of August 2024. The second segment, scheduled for the 10th to the 17th of August 2024, will focus on road safety and security awareness.

At this evening’s function, the Vice President presented commemorative plaques of appreciation to partners and individuals who have contributed to the successful execution of the “Rakkaa” programme.

India’s expresses support to 5 million trees planting project

India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Moosa Zameer have jointly planted a Carambola (Star Fruit) tree in support of the Five Million Trees Project, an initiative by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, and the Plant for Mother Programme, an initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The ministers noted that this initiative symbolizes the long-standing friendship between the Maldives and India.

During his official visit to the Maldives, Minister Dr. Jaishankar also paid a courtesy call to President Dr. Muizzu. He also officially handed over the completed project of establishing water and sewerage facilities in 28 islands of the Maldives. The significant project was financed through the Line of Credit Facility by the Export Import Bank (EXIM Bank) of India.

The Vice President underscores the importance of students educating about the laws and regulations of Maldives to foster a disciplined generation

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has emphasized the importance of educating students about the laws and regulations of the Maldives to foster a disciplined generation. He made the remarks while speaking at the closing ceremony of the 100th Traffic Monitors Training Programme held in Fuvahmulah city this evening.

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef highlighted the success of the Traffic Monitors Training Programme in familiarising students with traffic laws and regulations. He emphasised that a respectful and law-abiding society can only be achieved by educating children in these activities. He also pointed out the Government’s relentless efforts to curb illegal activities on roads, including the launch of the “Male’ Fahi” Programme to ensure road safety in the Greater Male’ Region. The Vice President urged all citizens to take personal responsibility for making the roads safe and secure.

At today’s ceremony, the Vice President presented certificates to the students of Mohamed Jamaaludheen School, Hafiz Ahmed School, GN Atoll Education Center, and Fuvahmulaku School who completed the Traffic Monitors Training Programme.

This event commemorates the 100th Traffic Monitors Training Programme since its initiation in 2014.

Maldives and India discuss strengthening defence ties

Maldives and India discuss strengthening defence ties between the two nations. The discussions were held with India’s Minister of External Affairs Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Maldives’ Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon.

In a post shared on social media, Minister Ghassan stated that the meeting was productive and pertained to defence and security cooperation. The ministers discussed areas of future collaboration in protecting Indian Ocean peace and stability and affirmed mutual respect for one another’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and some delegates accompanying Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.

Minister of External Affairs of India departs Maldives

The Minister of External Affairs of India, His Excellency Dr. S. Jaishankar, departed today from Gan International Airport after concluding a threeday official visit to the Maldives.

Minister Dr. Jaishankar arrived in the Maldives on 09 August 2024, and called on the President of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, and met with his counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Moosa Zameer. During their discussions, the Ministers focused on development and cooperation, with particular interest in expanding economic cooperation and trade. They also reviewed the progress of projects currently at various stages of implementation and inaugurated/handover six grant projects under the High Impact Community Development Project scheme.

Ministers Zameer and Dr. Jaishankar witnessed the exchange of two key agreements, including a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Maldives and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to enhance and expand digital and integrated payment systems. Additionally, both Ministers participated in the inauguration and handover of six High Impact Community Development Projects across seven different atolls.

In a separate ceremony held at the President’s Office in the presence of President Dr. Muizzu, Minister Dr. Jaishankar handed over water and sewerage facilities implemented across 28 islands of the Maldives, undertaken through the EXIM Line of Credit, to Minister Zameer. Minister Dr. Jaishankar also reviewed the progress of the Greater Malé Connectivity Project—Malé to Thilafushi Link Project—a project of notable importance that signifies the strong Maldives-India partnership.

During his visit, Minister Dr. Jaishankar inaugurated the four-lane detour link road connecting Maradhoo to Hithadhoo around Hankede Island—a major component of the “Design and Build of Construction of Roads and Drainage System in Addu City Project.” He also marked the completion of the shore protection projects, both funded by the EXIM Line of Credit facility provided with assistance from the Government of India.

The official visit of Minister Dr. Jaishankar marked a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the Maldives and India, as it was the first visit by the Minister since the administration of President Dr. Muizzu took office.

Both Minister Zameer and Minister Dr. Jaishankar expressed their desire to elevate the friendship and strong alliance between the Maldives and India to new heights. Minister Zameer reiterated the commitment of the Government of the Republic of Maldives and its people to intensify cooperation with India across all avenues. Minister Dr. Jaishankar was seen off at Gan International Airport by Minister Zameer, Addu city mayor Ali Nizaar and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

MPL notes sea-to-air cargo service success

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) Mohamed Wajeeh Ibrahim has said the sea-to-air cargo service has been a success, with around 12 containers of cargo being shipped to European countries each month.

Speaking to PSM News, CEO Wajeeh highlighted the efforts made by MPL to boost revenue, noting that the company launched the sea-toair cargo service as part of its strategy to expand the maritime sector. He explained that this emerging industry has seen significant growth, particularly in the transshipment of garments from Bangladesh to Europe. He also said the cargo is initially transported in containers to Sri Lanka and then flown to various destinations around the world.

Additionally, Wajeeh confirmed the success of the service, stating that approximately 12 containers are now sent to Europe every month. He also said that discussions are ongoing to further expand the service.

The sea-to-air cargo transshipment services are a collaborative effort between MPL, Maldives State Shipping (MSS), Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), and international airlines. The service aims to enhance the cargo capabilities of the Maldives, diversify the economy, and provide businesses and industries in the region with faster and more efficient freight services through this hybrid model.

India’s External Minister visits Thilamale’ Bridge Project site

Minister of External Affairs of India Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has physically observed the ongoing development of the the Greater Malé Connectivity – Malé to Thilafushi Link Project. The minister was accompanied by the Minister of Construction and Infrastructure, Dr. Abdullah Muththalib and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Moosa Zameer. The ThilaMale’ Bridge Project is a project initiated with significant assistance of India.

During his visit to the site, Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met with the staff of Afcons Infrastructure who were contracted with the project and sought the latest updates on the developmental project. The company disclosed that 42% of the project was completed so far.

The ThilaMale’ Bridge Project, worth USD500 million, commenced with a grant of USD100 from the Indian Government, a USD400 Line of Credit by India’s EXIM Bank and with the assistance of the Maldivian Government. The bridge works connecting Male’ City and Gulhifalhu are expected to be completed by March 31, 2026, while the entire project is slated for completion on September 30, 2026.