President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has arrived this evening on conclusion of his official visit to India. The President’s visit was made on the invitation of the Indian government to attend the inauguration ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking to the local media on arrival at the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, the President highlighted the warm and gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation by the Indian government during their stay in India. Additionally, President Yameen stated that both governments had re-affirmed their commitment to further consolidating Indo-Maldivian relations.
The President also briefed the media on his discussions with Prime Minister Modi during their meeting this morning, which focused on key bilateral issues, the future of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC), and issues of regional security.
President Yameen further highlighted that he had extended an invitation to the newly-elected Indian Prime Minister to visit the Maldives next year to take part in the ‘Golden Jubilee’ celebrations marking 50 years of the country’s independence. Continuing in this regard, the President noted that Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa had also accepted the government’s invitation to visit the Maldives to take part in the ‘Golden Jubilee’ Independence Day festivities.
Recalling his meeting this morning with senior officials of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janatha Party, President Yameen noted that BJP leaders were committed to establishing strong ties with the incumbent Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).
