Swaraj holds talks with Maldivian FM

Maldivian Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon on Saturday apprised External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj circumstances leading to imposition of Emergency in the island nation earlier this month besides current political situation. After her extensive talks with Swaraj, Maumoon, who arrived here today on a two-day visit, said she came here to apprise India about the Emergency and developments leading to it. Both Swaraj and Maumoon also deliberated on a range of other issues of mutual interest. “I came largely to personally apprise about the emergency and other developments leading to the Emergency,” she said.

Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen had on November 4 imposed Emergency in the country for 30 days citing threat to national security and gave sweeping powers to security forces. However, the Emergency was lifted on November 10, a week after its imposition after requests from many countries including the US and Sri Lanka and the Commonwealth.

Maumoon’s visit here comes nearly a month after Swaraj’s trip to Male during which she co-chaired a Joint Commission meeting. “Diplomacy at home and abroad! Earlier today EAM @SushmaSwaraj met Maldives Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon,” MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.