India is the most important friend of the Maldives - President Yameen

• Ties between countries is intimately linked with the security of India
• Both countries to expand the on-going partnership in countering militant radicalism, cross-border terrorism, organized crimes, and other forms of security threats
• President requests India's assistance in strengthening governance and the democratic process in the Maldives
• Immense potential for the Maldives and India to move innovatively in expanding economic cooperation

India is the most important friend of the Maldives said President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom today while speaking at a Joint Press Conference with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Joint Press Conference was held after the President and PM had one-to-one discussions, and further delegate level talks, at Hyderabad House during the President’s official visit to India from 10 to 11 April.

During the Press Conference the President extended his condolence ‎to the Indian Prime Minister, for the deaths and injury that occurred due to the explosion during the Hindu New Year celebrations at the Puttingal Temple in Kerala.

The President thanked the Government and the friendly people of India for the warm welcome and generous hospitality accorded to him and members of his delegation.

The ties between the two countries are based on civilizational roots, cultural, and linguistic similarities, and shared historical heritages the President said. Highlighting the bilateral relations between the two countries, President Yameen stated that the security of the Maldives is intimately linked with the security of India.

President Yameen stated that he had exchanged views with Prime Minister on further expanding the on-going partnership towards greater cooperation in countering militant radicalism, cross-border terrorism, organized crimes, and other forms of security threats facing the two countries.

Since India is the world’s largest democracy, it is important that emerging democracies like Maldives learn from India’s experience, said President Yameen as he went on to request the Prime Minister's assistance in strengthening governance and the democratic process in the Maldives.

Stating that the administration’s top priority has been economic development, the President expressed his belief that there is immense potential for the Maldives and India to move innovatively in expanding cooperation in this area.

President Yameen is in India on a two day official visit, from 10 to 11 April, on the invitation of the Indian Government. He has invited the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the Maldives this year.

The Maldivian delegation during the President’s official visit to India comprises of Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Dunya Maumoon, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture Dr. Mohamed Shainee, High Commissioner to India from Maldives Mr. Ahmed Mohamed and Under Secretary at the President’s Office Mr. Mohamed Naseer.