President meets with India

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has met with Shri S. Menon Singh, the National Security Advisor of India.

At the meeting held at the Leela Palace Hotel today, the President and Defense Advisor discussed the existing bilateral relations between the two countries and explored possibilities of strengthening ties, especially in the area of security.

According to the President's Office, the President recalled the "golden era" of Indo-Maldives relations - the tenure of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and the unprecedented mutual trust that had developed between the two Governments during that time and thanked the Indian government for its leadership role in maintaining peace and stability in the Indian Ocean peninsular.

President’s Office revealed that President Yameen also thanked the Indian government for the continuous support in building capacity of the Maldives Coast Guard through bilateral and trilateral training exercises, and also for its commitment to developing the Police Academy, a composite Training Centre and building for the Ministry of Defense and National Security.

President Yameen assured the Indian authorities of his administration’s firm commitment towards cooperation with India in maintaining peace and stability in the region and the fight against multinational and trans boundary crimes, including piracy and drug trafficking.

National Defense Advisor Shri S. Menon Singh congratulated President Yameen on his election victory and his efforts to bring almost overnight peace and calm to the Maldives after such a hard fought election.

Highlighting the importance of cooperation in maintaining regional stability, Menon assured President Yameen of India’s willingness to assist the Maldivian government in Defense and Police cooperation in every possible way.