Maldives Foreign Minister and United Nationals General Assembly (UNGA) President, Abdulla Shahid has expressed his support for President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, adding that he will be re-elected for a second term.

Speaking to India's 'The Print' during his official visit to India as the UNGA President, Shahid noted that President Solih is going to be “re-elected and the people of Maldives have received his good work that has been done under his outstanding leadership”.

This marks the first time Shahid has openly supported President Solih's bid for a second term.

While Shahid expresses his support for President Solih, he remains as one of the potential leaders who may challenge President Solih in the MDP Primaries. MDP Leader and Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed had previously stated that Shahid fits all the necessities to become the President and had prompted many to believe that he would be a contender for Presidency next year.

According to Shahid, while India will always remain Maldives’ “first and closest friend” which over the decades has culminated in an ‘India First’ policy, the country will continue to have cordial and working ties with China as well.

“At the same time, we will also continue to work with everyone, including China and many other countries, who have been also very generous in their assistance and cooperation,” he added.

Maldives is suddenly witnessing a surge in the ‘India Out’ campaign promoted by former president Abdulla Yameen, who plans to make a comeback in politics and contest the next year’s presidential election.

“It’s [India Out campaign] been done by a group of opposition people who have no development agenda except to create some fervour against our closest friend and neighbour,” stressed Shahid.