NEW DELHI, Jan 2:
India and Maldives today agreed on a number of important defence and security cooperation initiatives besides agreeing to relax visa for each other’s nationals and to settle the issue of GMR investment in Male airport amicably.
The close ties between two neighbours that had developed some strain after the ouster of its first democratically elected President Mohammad Nasheed and his successor Government’s decision to drive out Indian investor GMR from Male airport project were sought to be firmed up by newly elected Maldives President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on his first visit abroad after assuming office and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
In a statement to the media after holding delegation-level talks, the two leaders made it clear that they would be deepening their defence, maritime security and economic cooperation.
The bilateral cooperation on issues of common concern includes maritime piracy, terrorism, organised crime, drugs and human trafficking. It was also agreed to intensify cooperation in the areas of training and capacity building of the Maldives National Defence Force and the Maldives Police Service.
Mr Yameen praised India’s respect for his tiny state’s sovereignty and assistance to it in both and good and difficult times.
He said the fact he was spending the new year day in India showed the importance of the country for his nation.
The Prime Minister responded by saying, “We are deeply honoured that he has chosen India as his first destination as President of Maldives. I cannot think of a more apt beginning to the New Year than to welcome back in our midst the newly elected President of a very close and friendly neighbour with whom we also share very vital interests.”
On this occasion, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of health, exchange of letters on extending the memorandum of understanding on manpower requirements of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, and memorandum of agreement for allotment of plot to the high commission of Maldives here. (UNI)
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