Foreign Minister, Abdulla Shahid has said that the agreement for bridge project to connect Male', Vilimale', Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu will stand as an enduring tribute to the strong partnership between the Maldives and India.

Taking to Twitter today, The Foreign Minister said that he was delighted that the contract for the Greater Male' Connectivity Project has been signed with Afcons Infrastructure Ltd as it marks a defining moment in the development journey of the Maldives.

"Constructed with financial support from India, the largest infrastructure project to be executed in Maldives, will stand as an enduring tribute to the strong Maldives-India Partnership." Minister Shahid said in a subsequent tweet.

He also thanked the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and the Indian Minister for External Affairs, Dr S. Jaishankar for supporting the development journey of the Maldives.

The project valued at USD 500 million ( MVR 7.7 million) is being financed by free aid from the Indian government and a Line of Credit from the Indian Exim Bank.