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(DECEMBER -23-29)
According to reports, former president Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has joined the ruling party Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) after the council of Dr Waheed’s former party Gaumee Itthihad Party (GIP) announced its decision to dissolve GIP. GIP said that its decision to dissolve the party follows sentiments that the current political atmosphere does not allow room for small parties to maneuver in the Maldives. 1
In another development, reports noted that the Maldivian Parliament has approved the MVR 17.9 billion State Budget for 2014 proposed by the government. 2
Reports noted that United States Ambassador to the Maldives Michele J. Sison has paid a courtesy call on President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom at the President’s Office on December 23, 2013. The discussion was focused on bilateral relations between the Maldives and the United States and on ways to further enhance cooperation between the two countries. 3
In other developments, according to reports, President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom met with a visiting delegation from the State Bank of India’s headquarter in Mumbai. The delegation includes Managing Director & Group Executive of International Banking Mr. Hemant G. Contractor, and the Chief General Manager of International Banking Mr. R. Karthikeyan. At the meeting held on December 29, 2013 at the President’s Office, President Yameen briefed the delegation on the investment opportunities available in the Maldives. They also discussed ways to improve the investment climate of the Maldives. Highlighting that the State Bank of India was the longest serving bank in the Maldives, President Yameen expressed his appreciation for their support towards the development of the country. 4
- 1. “Former president Waheed joins PPM”, The Sun Online, December 25, 2013 at http://www.sun.mv/english/18794.
- 2. “Parliament approves MVR 17.9 billion budget”, The Sun Online, December 29, 2013 at http://www.sun.mv/english/18882.
- 3. “US Ambassador calls on the President”, The Sun Online, December 24, 2013 at http://www.sun.mv/english/18764.
- 4. “President Meets with the visiting Delegation of State Bank of India”, The President’s Office, Republic of Maldives, December 29, 2013 at http://www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/Index.aspx?lid=11&dcid=13764.