There are differences in the foreign policy of the two largest political parties. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and Dr. Mohamed Muizzu endorsed by the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) spoke about the diplomatic relations with India and China during Saturday night's presidential debate ahead of the September 9 election.
Muizzu said he would pursue a policy of prioritising the Maldivian people and that he would maintain close relations with any country as long as they do not cross the "boundary of the house."
"What we are seeing now is that they have crossed this boundary. So that has to change. We are an independent, sovereign country. Every country has to respect our independence and our identity," the Male' Mayor and former housing minister said.
Muizzu did not name India but guaranteed to maintain close relations with a country that respects the Maldivian identity and avoids influencing internal matters.
Meanwhile, President Solih gave direct answers and said that he has a policy of "India First" and "One China." In a verbal attack on Muizzu and the PPM, Solih said his policy does not involve "harassing in the morning and caressing in the evening."
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih speaking during the presidential debate. -- Photo: Abdulla Iyan
Solih noted that his government maintains close relations with China. He also denied claims that relations with China have deteriorated since the government of former President Abdulla Yameen.
“The relationship with China is very good. We are already receiving a lot of assistance from China. The tourism project we are running in Addu is run by a Chinese company,” he said.
The Thila-Male' bridge project was awarded to an Indian company because the project is under Exim Finance and projects under such finance should be awarded to a company from the financing country, Solih noted.
The President also highlighted the achievements of his government in international affairs. He said the government has established foreign relations with more than 180 countries, allowed visa-free travel to 80 countries and restored relations with Arab countries and the Commonwealth.
Following the statements by Muizzu and Solih, Jumhooree Party (JP) candidate Qasim Ibrahim, Democrats candidate Ilyas Labeeb and independent candidate Umar Naseer criticized the government's close foreign relations with India.
