The Minister of State for External Affairs of the Republic of India, H.E. M.J. Akbar, paid a courtesy call on President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, this morning, at the President’s Office.

During the call, the President welcomed the State Minister to the Maldives and conveyed good wishes to the Prime Minister, H.E. Narendra Modi, the Government and the friendly people of India. The President reiterated the “India First” policy while emphasizing that the Government of Maldives attaches high importance to its close relations with India. In this regard, the President expressed confidence that the State Minister’s visit will open new avenues for stronger cooperation between the two countries, and that the Maldives will receive the same level of support, engagement and assistance in the years ahead.

The State Minister also conveyed the greetings and good wishes of the Prime Minister of India, and praised the President for his leadership, which he asserted is synonymous with Peace, Stability, and Development within the Maldives, and in particular delivering for the development needs of the people. The State Minister highlighted that the purpose of the visit to Maldives is to infuse fresh momentum to the bilateral relations that India greatly values. In this connection, the State Minister stated that India is fully committed to support the Maldives in maintaining the development cooperation between the two countries, and expressed the sincere wishes of the Government of India to see the aspirations of the Maldivians for a stable, democratic, peaceful and prosperous Maldives consolidated in the near future. The State Minister further assured that India will continue to support the Maldives in achieving these objectives and enhance the historic ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The President was accompanied at the call by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Asim and the Minister of State for Foreign Relations at the President’s Office, H.E. Mohamed Naseer. The Minister of State for External Affairs of India was accompanied by the Ambassador of India to the Maldives, H.E. Akilesh Mishra, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs of India, Mr. Sanjay Panda and the Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, Mr. A. Amarnath.