7 Key Points About Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu's Recent Activities

1. Who is Mohamed Muizzu?

Mohamed Muizzu is the 8th president of the Maldives and leader of the Progressive Congress coalition. He was born on June 15, 1978, and has a background in engineering. Muizzu previously served as the housing minister from 2012 to 2018 and was the mayor of Mal from 2021 until his resignation in 2023.

2. What were the key issues in his presidential campaign?

During his presidential campaign, Muizzu focused on several key issues, including the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives, launching housing projects, establishing a dedicated trust fund for housing, and capping housing loan interest rates at five percent. He also promised to terminate secret agreements made by previous administrations that allegedly threatened Maldivian independence and sovereignty.

3. How did he win the presidential election?

Muizzu won the 2023 Maldivian presidential election by receiving 46.06% of the vote in the first round and then securing 54.04% in the second round against incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. His campaign, themed 'Dhivehinge Raajje,' included extensive tours of inhabited islands and major cities, delivering speeches at 205 separate events.

4. What significant actions has he taken since assuming office?

Since assuming office, Muizzu has initiated the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives, terminated secret agreements with foreign nations that he claimed threatened Maldivian independence, and appealed against the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea's ruling affecting part of the South Sea within the country's Exclusive Economic Zone.

5. What is the current state of Maldives-India relations?

Maldives-India relations have been strained since Muizzu's government asked Indian troops to withdraw. However, Muizzu has taken a reconciliatory tone, thanking India for financial assistance and calling New Delhi one of Male's 'closest' allies. During his recent visit to India, he assured that the Maldives would never do anything to undermine India's security interests.

6. What is the purpose of his current visit to India?

Muizzu's current visit to India is aimed at resetting the country's ties with India. He plans to meet with President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other senior officials to strengthen bilateral cooperation and address the economic crisis facing the Maldives. The visit is expected to lend further momentum to cooperation and robust people-to-people ties between the two countries.

7. How is the Maldives addressing its economic challenges?

The Maldives is facing an economic crisis with foreign exchange reserves falling to $440 million. Muizzu's government is seeking financial support from India to address this crisis. The Maldives President has also emphasized his commitment to ensuring that the country's actions do not compromise regional stability or security, while enhancing cooperation with other countries in various sectors.

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