Former Maldives president calls on PM Modi

Former Maldives president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on Thursday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital.

The Prime Minister took to twitter to share his meeting with the dignitary.

"With Mr. @maumoonagayoom , Former President of Maldives," he wrote, also posting a picture of their meeting.

The Prime Minister also retweeted a post by former president Gayoom on their encounter.

"Thank you Hon PM @narendramodi it was a great privilege calling on Your Excellency today. Maldives and India are great traditional friends," he had written.

Gayoom was the president of Maldives for a 30-year period, stretching from 1978 to 2008.

As close and friendly neighbours, India and Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial links steeped in antiquity and enjoy cordial and multi-dimensional relations. India was among the first to recognise Maldives after its independence in 1965 and to establish diplomatic relations with the country. India established its mission at Male in 1972.