The newly appointed high commissioners of India and Pakistan to the Maldives met separately with Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel on Monday.
During their meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Khaleel congratulated Indian High Commissioner G. Balasubramaniam on his appointment and highlighted the “excellent” relationship between the Maldives and India. He also expressed gratitude for India’s “steadfast support” over the years.
Minister Khaleel and High Commissioner Balasubramaniam discussed ways to “further strengthen the robust ties” between the two nations, exploring potential areas for cooperation. Balasubramaniam expressed his “keen interest and commitment” to enhancing the existing partnership.
In a separate meeting, Pakistan’s High Commissioner Faisal Rasul Lodhi, a retired vice admiral, also met Khaleel on Monday. Lodhi was welcomed by the foreign minister, who congratulated him on his appointment and emphasised the importance of strengthening “brotherly relations” between the Maldives and Pakistan.
Khaleel thanked Pakistan for its “continued support and assistance in human resource development,” while Lodhi assured his commitment to deepening cooperation in areas of mutual benefit.