As the Maldives government looks to put a lid on the ‘India Out’ campaign, which is being fanned by former president and pro-China leader Abdulla Yameen, foreign minister Abdulla Shahid said it’s thoughtless to attack neighbouring countries that provide help to the Maldives and asserted Male has been following a balanced foreign policy.
“It is a very thoughtless act to verbally attack neighbouring countries which provide assistance to our nation and have long standing friendly relations. We should refrain from such things” said Shahid. “President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s foreign policy is a balanced policy,” he added, while speaking to a local news agency.
Asked about the ‘India Out’ campaign and the alleged support from China, Shahid reiterated that it will be most beneficial for a nation like Maldives, which has a small economy, to exist in unison with all countries which uphold “international values and principles” and have an interest in diplomatic ties with Maldives. This, he said, included India and China.
“However, it will not benefit the country to take advantage of domestic disputes and target countries,” he added. Shahid stated that close relations with India and the assistance being provided had always remained the same regardless of which party was in power in Male.
