‘Friendship built on trust’: Former Maldives FM Abdullah Shahid hails Greater Male Project milestone

Male: Former Maldives Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid praised a significant advancement in the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) on Saturday, noting that the venture highlights the robust relations and mutual advancement linking India and the Maldives.

"A major milestone for the Greater Male Connectivity Project today! Honored to have launched this project during my tenure as Foreign Minister," Shahid stated via a social media post.

"The Maldives-India friendship is built on trust and shared progress. This link is a symbol of that commitment and of India's support for Maldives' development," he continued.

Shahid also conveyed his appreciation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for guiding the initiative.

"Deep appreciation to PM @narendramodi, and EAM @DrSJaishankar, for their leadership in realizing this vision for the Maldivian people," he remarked.

Shahid's commentary followed a publication by the Indian mission in the Maldives, which announced the finalisation of a pivotal phase in the scheme, wherein the concluding bridge segment joining Male and Villingili was formally positioned, advancing uninterrupted inter-island transit.

"A big milestone for the Greater Male Connectivity Project! The final bridge segment connecting Male with Villingili is officially set in place - bringing seamless connectivity between the islands one step closer," the post read.

The Greater Male Connectivity Project stands as one of India's premier infrastructure undertakings in the archipelago, designed to enhance transport links amongst Male, Villingili, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi.

This progression unfolds amid persistent attention directed towards bilateral relations and wider regional cooperation between New Delhi and Male.

In a related diplomatic development, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu previously advocated for the reactivation of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), encouraging member states to settle disputes via dialogue.

Muizzu stated that his administration stood prepared to act as a mediator to help overcome the impasse within SAARC, urging participating nations to return to the negotiating table to foster regional peace and collaboration.

While New Delhi maintains that it backs robust regional engagement, it has previously attributed the paralysis of SAARC to Pakistan. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal previously noted that "everyone in South Asia is aware of which country and what activities are actually stymying SAARC", emphasising that genuine cooperation demands mutual goodwill.

The regional bloc comprises Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

ANI