The Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has responded to the Maldives Democratic Party’s (MDP) criticism of foreign minister Dunya Maumoon’s remarks regarding India’s participation in China’s Maritime Silk Road initiative.
In a media statement released today, the PPM accused the opposition of twisting the story in order to harness attention from the international community.
The party also alleged that MDP is trying to divert attention from the party’s achievements during its third anniversary and from the one year anniversary of President Abdulla Yameen’s term.
MDP condemned Dunya for “intentionally” providing false information about the Chinese project when questioned by the parliament Maldives involvement in the project.
When asked about the potential impact of the scheme on India-Maldives relations, Dunya told the parliament last week that India had also discussed participating during the recent state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinpeng.
However, Indian Diplomats in Malé promptly refuted the claim, releasing a statement containing comments from the Indian External Affairs Ministry which denied such talks having taken place.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement today seeking to clarify any confusion caused by these remarks, saying that Dunya had “noted her concern if her choice of words had led to any confusion”.
(0)Dislikes
(0)