Fisheries Minister Dr. Mohamed Shiny has said that this administration won’t build relations with Israel، as the Nasheed Administration did. 
“Every administration has its friends، those who align with its ideology، and those who offer aid to them،” Dr. Shiny said.
“For instance، the previous administration considered strong relations with Israel. This administration doesn’t want to do that، I assure you of that. When they chose relations with Israel over India or Europe، did we roam around crying foul?”
Moreover، Dr. Shiny responded to criticism of the President’s Republic Day speech، Dr. Shiny said:
“I must ask them – are we supposed to just stick with the west، where we get no improvement? We had this conversation with India too. But، when a major economic player offers a helping hand، are we supposed to turn them down just because the old partners may turn up?”
Furthermore، China has been the first in line for similar opportunities in India and Sri Lanka as well، so not doing business with them is not an option، said Dr. Shiny.
“To say that we are trying to build relations with a particular country is to trick the public. There is no point in doing so.”