Former Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has urged current President Mohamed Muizzu to abandon stubbornness and engage in dialogue with neighboring countries to address the nation's financial challenges. This advice comes in the wake of President Muizzu's recent call for debt relief from India, a move that has been viewed in the context of his pro-China stance.

Solih, who was defeated by Muizzu in the presidential election held in September the previous year, expressed his views during an event in Male' aimed at garnering support for Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) parliamentary candidates in Maafannu's four constituencies. He criticized Muizzu's approach, highlighting that while the Maldives owes more debt to China (MVR 18 billion) than to India (MVR 8 billion), the repayment period for Chinese loans spans 25 years.

Despite these challenges, Solih expressed confidence in the willingness of neighboring countries to assist the Maldives and stressed the importance of dialogue and compromise. He also accused the current government of deceiving the public and attempting to take credit for projects initiated during the MDP's tenure.

In contrast, Muizzu has adopted a critical stance towards India, demanding the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from certain installations in the Maldives. However, he recently made conciliatory remarks toward India, emphasizing the longstanding alliance between the two nations. Muizzu's softened approach towards India aligns with the upcoming parliamentary elections in the Maldives.

Despite these developments, Muizzu has not yet visited India since assuming office, a departure from the tradition of Maldivian presidents making India their first overseas destination. Instead, his first state visit was to China in January, indicating a shift in diplomatic priorities.

In conclusion, Solih's advice for Muizzu to prioritize dialogue and cooperation with neighbors underscores the ongoing complexities in Maldives' foreign relations and the challenges faced by the current administration in navigating these dynamics.

Former Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has urged current President Mohamed Muizzu to abandon stubbornness and engage in dialogue with neighboring countries to address the nation's financial challenges. This advice comes in the wake of President Muizzu's recent call for debt relief from India, a move that has been viewed in the context of his pro-China stance.

Solih, who was defeated by Muizzu in the presidential election held in September the previous year, expressed his views during an event in Male' aimed at garnering support for Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) parliamentary candidates in Maafannu's four constituencies. He criticized Muizzu's approach, highlighting that while the Maldives owes more debt to China (MVR 18 billion) than to India (MVR 8 billion), the repayment period for Chinese loans spans 25 years.

Despite these challenges, Solih expressed confidence in the willingness of neighboring countries to assist the Maldives and stressed the importance of dialogue and compromise. He also accused the current government of deceiving the public and attempting to take credit for projects initiated during the MDP's tenure.

In contrast, Muizzu has adopted a critical stance towards India, demanding the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from certain installations in the Maldives. However, he recently made conciliatory remarks toward India, emphasizing the longstanding alliance between the two nations. Muizzu's softened approach towards India aligns with the upcoming parliamentary elections in the Maldives.

Despite these developments, Muizzu has not yet visited India since assuming office, a departure from the tradition of Maldivian presidents making India their first overseas destination. Instead, his first state visit was to China in January, indicating a shift in diplomatic priorities.

In conclusion, Solih's advice for Muizzu to prioritize dialogue and cooperation with neighbors underscores the ongoing complexities in Maldives' foreign relations and the challenges faced by the current administration in navigating these dynamics.