Saturday
27th Apr 2024
Dhivehi Edition
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu speaks in Addu City. | Photo: President’s Office
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu shared that Maldives and India have signed an agreement to withdraw Indian troops from Maldives.
Speaking at a function in Addu, Dr. Muizzu said the withdrawal of Indian troops has been “documented” and is now “signed,” and he is confident that all troops will be withdrawn before May 10th this year.
The withdrawal of Indian troops from Maldives is a promise of President Muizzu.
The first group has agreed to leave Maldives before the 10th of next month. These troops are stationed in Addu, one of the three areas where Indian troops are operating in Maldives. Indian troops stationed in the remaining two areas must also leave Maldives before May 10th.
He said the agreement and signing of dates for the withdrawal of Indian troops from Maldives was a great achievement and everyone should praise Allah for it.
"This is what the people of Maldives did. You decided that there should be no foreign troops in this country. You gave me the opportunity because you had confidence in me to implement that decision," he said.
The President said he relied on that confidence today, as he had done from the first day in office.
The two countries have agreed to bring in civilians to drive the three vehicles donated by India after the withdrawal of Indian troops in Maldives. The Maldives government said it would refuse to have any country's troops in Maldives, and it would be better if Indian civilians drove the three vehicles instead of military personnel.
However, President Muizzu said during his presidential campaign that he would train Maldivians to drive the vehicles.