The MoU, which came into effect from February, will remain in force for an indefinite period…reports Asian Lite News
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday was apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in February this year between India and Maldives on cooperation in sustainable urban development.
According to the official release, a Joint Working Group (JWG) will be constituted to strategise and implement programmes on cooperation under the framework of the MoU. JWG will meet once in a year, alternately in Maldives and in India.
“The MoU will promote strong, deep and long-term bilateral cooperation in sustainable urban development between the two countries. The MoU is expected to create employment in the areas of sustainable urban development including urban planning, solid waste management, affordable housing, urban green mobility, urban mass rapid transport, smart cities development,” it said.
The MoU, which came into effect from February, will remain in force for an indefinite period.
The objectives of the MoU are to facilitate and strengthen India-Maldives technical cooperation in the field of sustainable urban development including urban planning, solid waste management, affordable housing, urban green mobility, urban mass rapid transport, smart cities development and any other related area mutually agreed by contracting parties. (ANI)
Last month, India announced the opening of a new Consulate General in Addu City in the Maldives this year, a move to augment India’s diplomatic presence.
The opening of the Consulate General in Addu City will also provide market access to Indian companies and bolster Indian exports of goods and services.
The decision was taken on Tuesday during a Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“This is also a forward-looking step in pursuit of our national priority of growth and development or ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’,” said a Cabinet note.
“Augmentation of India’s diplomatic presence will, inter-alia, provide market access for Indian companies and bolster Indian exports of goods and services. This would have a direct impact in augmenting domestic production and employment in line with our goal of a self-reliant India or ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.”
India and the Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial links steeped in antiquity. Maldives occupies an important place in the ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ and the ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision of the Government of India.
The momentum and energy in the bilateral relationship has reached unprecedented levels under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and President Solih, a Cabinet note mentioned.
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