Jaishankar calls on Maldivian Prez, discusses bilateral ties

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar today called on Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, who appreciated India's continued support and assistance to the island nation and expressed firm commitment to strengthen bilateral ties.
Jaishankar, who arrived here yesterday on a two-day visit to the Maldives, called on the President at the President's Office and discussed bilateral issues including development partnership and commercial cooperation.
"During the meeting, the President expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and assistance provided by India," an official statement said.
The President also expressed his firm commitment to further elevate existing relations through different avenues of cooperation.

He noted that commercial relations between the two countries would further enhance the greater economic cooperation and development.
The Maldivian President said the Foreign Secretary's visit would expedite the implementation of the different areas of cooperation between the Maldives and India.
During the visit, Jaishankar also met top diplomats and government officers and discussed ways to strengthen the relations between the two South Asian neighbours.