President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Gayoom has today met with, Mr. Shri S. Menon Singh, the National Security Advisor of India.
At the meeting held at the Leela Palace Hotel, President Yameen and Defense Advisor discussed the bilateral relations that exist between the two countries. They further explored possibilities of strengthening these ties, especially in the area of security.
The President recalled the golden era of Indo-Maldives relations - the tenure of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and the unprecedented mutual trust that had developed between the two Governments during that time. He highlighted the importance of security cooperation’s and thanked the Indian government for its leadership role in maintaining peace and stability in the Indian Ocean peninsular.
He thanked the Indian Government for the continuous support in building capacity of the Maldivian coast guard through bilateral and trilateral training exercises.
Focusing on current security-related cooperation endeavors, the President thanked the Indian Government for its commitment to developing the Police Academy, a composite Training Centre and building for the Ministry of Defense and National Security.
President Yameen assured the Indian authorities of his administration’s firm commitment towards cooperation with India in maintaining peace and stability in the region and the fight against multinational and trans boundary crimes, including piracy and drug trafficking.
National Defense Advisor congratulated President Yameen on his election victory and his efforts to bring almost overnight peace and calm to the Maldives after such a hard fought election.
Highlighting the importance of cooperation in maintaining regional stability Mr. Menon assured President Yameen of India’s willingness to assist the Government in Defense and Police cooperation in every possible way.
The National Defense Advisor was joined at the call by Joint Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and the Indian High Commissioner to Maldives Mr. Rajeev Sahare.
President Yameen was joined at the call by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Dunya Maumoon, Minister at the President’s Office, Hon. Mohamed Hussain Shareef, Foreign Secretary, Mr. Ali Naseer Mohamed, High Commissioner of Maldives to India Mr. Mohamed Naseer, and by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ms. Fathimath Inaya.
