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By P.K.Balachandran
Colombo, January 23: In the midst of a bitter Maldives-India standoff over the stationing of the Indian military in the Indian Ocean archipelago, top US and Chinese officials have called on President Mohamed Muizzu in Male.
Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander US Indo-Pacific Command, visited the Maldives between January 20 and 22, underscoring USINDOPACOM’s unwavering commitment to fostering cooperation and enhancing the partnership between the two nations, a command press release said.
During the trip, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu hosted Adm. Aquilino at the Maldives Office of the President, where discussions centered on mutual initiatives for bolstering national and regional security and sovereignty.
Adm. Aquilino also engaged with Minister of Defence Ghassan Maumoon and Chief of Defence Lt. Gen. Abdul Raheem at the Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF) Headquarters, emphasizing joint efforts in countering trans-national threats and expanding domestic maritime security.
On January 21, Adm. Aquilino presented a package of U.S. grant-funded equipment to Maldives Chief of Defence Forces Lt. Gen. Abdul Raheem in a ceremony held at MNDF Headquarters.
The equipment is designed to enhance the safety and capabilities of Maldives’ Special Forces personnel during maritime security and counterterrorism operations. The transfer between the two countries demonstrates USINDOPACOM’s steadfast commitment to a sovereign, secure, and democratic Maldives.
USINDOPACOM remains resolute in its dedication to fortify the U.S.-Maldives relationship as we offer steadfast support in critical requirement areas. Our commitment underscores the shared vision for a secure, rules-based, and open Indo-Pacific region.
Visit of top Chinese communist Party official
Meanwhile, the Maldives is intensifying its relations with China, a move underscored by the ongoing visit of Sun Haiyan, the Vice Minister of the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), www.maldiviesrepublic.mv reported .
This visit highlights the strengthening ties between the two nations and the strategic prioritisation of these relations by President Mohamed Muizzu.
During her meeting with President Muizzu, Vice Minister Sun focused on expediting the implementation of agreements signed during Muizzu’s recent state visit to China. She expressed the eagerness of all relevant Chinese agencies to collaborate with their Maldivian counterparts under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to the President’s Office.
She further articulated China’s interest in bolstering strategic bilateral relations and offering training opportunities for Maldivians in various fields.
President Muizzu reciprocated the sentiment, expressing his gratitude to China for the training opportunities and other avenues of support for Maldivians. He also conveyed his eagerness to implement the agreements signed between the two countries.
The President and Vice Minister also reviewed the recent success of direct flights between the Maldives and China and discussed extending direct flights from several Chinese cities to the Maldives. They also deliberated on improving city-to-city connections to facilitate tourism and business relations.
The visit of Vice Minister Sun, which was at the invitation of Moosa Zameer, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, comes in the wake of the recent successful state visit to China by President Muizzu.
During her visit, Vice Minister Sun will also attend a donation ceremony on 22 January 2024, hosted by Mahibadhoo Island Council, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, according to the Foreign Ministry.
However, www. maldivesrepublic.mv said that the strengthening of ties with China comes amid deteriorating relations between the Maldives and India.
President Muizzu’s recent foreign policy decisions indicate a preference for ties with China, and he has requested that India withdraw its troops stationed in the Maldives. But India has said that it has not committed to withdrawing the personnel and that the matter is being discussed at a high level core committee.
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