Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services, Shidhatha Shareef, has said that there have been age long ties of Maldives with India in the area of social justice issues. She said therefore that India is the most integral partner in the area social justice issues.

The Minister said this while speaking at the roundtable meeting held by India’s Vivekananda International Foundation in Delhi. Shidhatha noted during the meeting that the ties between Maldives and India are historical. She said that the bond is maintained between two nations, are only owed to being neighbors, but due to similarities in core values and traditions shared by the two countries.

She said that Maldives had benefited greatly through the close ties, in various areas. As such, Minister Shidhatha noted India’s assistance in social issues as well as great support for women’s progress and empowerment in Maldives.

Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services reported that Shidhatha also conducted discussions during the meeting on measures to resolve issues faced by women and children.