Maldivian President meets PM; discusses key bilateral issues

Maldivian President Yameen Abdul Gayoom met Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and held bilateral discussions here today.

He will also meet President Pranab Mukherjee to discuss key bilateral and regional issues this evening.

Gayoom, who arrived here yesterday on his first official visit after assuming office in November, said that his country is looking to India's leadership to resolve pressing regional issues.

Gayoom, who was accorded a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning, said he was looking forward to gaining regional strength from India as also in global politics and international relations.

Array

"We are looking at regional strength from India and also in global politics and international relations we look up to India's leadership. India and Maldives common people, we have a common destiny. So, we believe it is under Indian leadership that we will be able to seek salvation from poverty and difficult situation we have in this part of the world," he added.

Gayoom also spoke about the common bonds and understanding between India and Maldives on international issues.

"I hope to achieve substantive progress as far as India Maldives relationship is concerned. Foreign policy, domestic policy, areas of interest like maritime security, we have very strong bond with India and our understanding on international matters as far as these issues are concerned, we have common understanding," Gayoom said.

His visit would provide an opportunity to further enhance the close and multifaceted relations between India and the Maldives.