President Mohamed Nasheed has departed on an official visit to India today.
The President is making the visit on an invitation of South Asia Centre for Policy Studies (SACEPS), to attend its World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development.
President Nasheed will deliver the inaugural address at the conference that begins in New Delhi on 24 February. Other speakers at the inaugural session include Nobel Laureates Amartya Sen of India and Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh.
Speaking to press before departure, the President said he would share the Maldives’ experience in eradicating poverty, which has gained legitimacy in the region as a result of the country’s graduation from the Least Developed Country status.
During the visit the President will also hold talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, President of ruling Congress Party Sonia Gandhi and Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh.
Speaking to press, the President also said he would, along with Acting Minister of Finance and Treasury of the Maldives Mahmood Razi, meet Indian Finance Minister to finalize the US$40 million credit line from India for the Maldives’ housing project.
While on visit, the President will also meet the Maldivian students in India.
