New Delhi: Ahead of the UNGA session in September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met the President-elect of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and Maldives Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid.
During the meeting, PM Modi emphasized the importance of reforming the multilateral system, including the United Nations organs, to reflect the current realities of the world and the aspirations of a vast majority of the world’s population, the Prime Minister Office said in a statement.
Prime Minister Modi congratulated Abdullah on his resounding victory in the election, noting that this reflects the growing stature of the Maldives on the world stage.
“Delighted to meet President-Elect of the 76th UNGA and FM of Maldives H.E. Abdulla Shahid. I wish him all success during his “Presidency of Hope”. Also reiterated India’s commitment to the Maldives, as a key pillar of our “Neighborhood First” policy,” PM tweeted.
UNGA President-elect Abdullah Shahid thanked India for extending support and assistance to Maldives for the development.
“Honoured to call on Prime Minister of India @narendramodi. Extended appreciation for the continuous support & assistance extended by #India for the development of #Maldives. Also thanked India for the support to the #PresidencyOfHope and briefed him on my priorities for #UNGA76,” he tweeted.
In the meeting, both sides have discussed the rapid growth in the India-Maldives bilateral relationship in recent years.
Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that bilateral projects are progressing well despite the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic, the statement read.
Prime Minister also felicitated the President-elect on his vision statement for a ‘Presidency of Hope’, and assured him of India’s full support and cooperation during his Presidency, it added.
