President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has expressed gratitude towards neighboring India for assisting the country in times of need during the situation with COVID-19.

Responding to a question by a journalist in a press conference, the President said in every way, whether it was through the supply of medicine, food, or financial aid, India had assisted the Maldives the most during COVID-19.

"Due to COVID-19, the government of India has assisted the most. I earnestly thank the Indian government on behalf of the Maldivian government and the citizens of the country for that." said the President.

The President also highlighted on the recent assistance provided by India such as permitting 37 cancer Maldivian patients to travel to the country to receive treatment at a time when India is under lockdown due to COVID-19.

Solih said that he was hopeful of continued Indian assistance in different ways to the Maldives in the future.

"I have full confidence that further assistance would be received from India in the future as well. India is a close and friendly partner of the Maldives," said President Solih.

The Indian government has granted permission for 36 Maldivian patients who require urgent medical care to travel to the country.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office on Tuesday, Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said Indian High Commission has provided assurance that the Maldivian patients will be allowed to travel to India for their treatment.

A statement issued by the Indian High Commission in Maldives also said the Indian government has granted permission for 36 Maldivian patients requiring urgent medical care to travel to Cochin, India, including cancer patients requiring radiation therapy. The Maldives Foreign Ministry revealed that the patients are scheduled to fly to Cochin next week.

India's borders remain closed as a precautionary measure against the COVID-19 pandemic. The Maldives government has thanked the Indian government for facilitating the travel, and noted that the gesture is another example of the age-old friendship between the two nations.

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