Male (Maldives), July 29 (ANI): India and Maldives will hold delegation-level talks here today, during which they are expected to review progress made on bilateral ties, besides share information on regional and global issues of mutual interest to the two countries.
External Affairs Minister S.M.Krishna will lead the Indian delegation at the talks, while the Maldives team will be led by that country's Foreign Minister Ahmed Naseem.
During his two-day goodwill visit to the Maldives, Krishna will visit the Addu Atoll Island in Gan, the venue of the 17th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit. He will also hand over five million dollars as assistance to the Maldives Government to enable it to host the summit on November 10-11 this year .
India will also be sending faculty members and diplomats to train Maldivian officials for the forthcoming summit.
Maldives' Foreign Minister Ahmed Naseem has also handed over land for a chancery for the Indian High Commission. Papers relating to the concerned property were handed over to Indian High Commissioner D M Mulay.
On Thursday, Krishna said that both India and Maldives understand the importance of cooperation in the field of defense and security and are determined to work jointly to safeguard their respective security interests.
He said the two nations are cooperating on the issues of piracy, terrorism, drug trafficking and other possible threats.
"Both countries understand the importance of cooperation in the field of defense and security and are determined to work jointly to safeguard our respective security interests. We are cooperating on the issues of piracy, terrorism, drug trafficking and other possible threats to our countries," said Krishna.
"The bilateral cooperation between India and Maldives is on a high trajectory in recent times with both sides embarking on comprehensive, forward looking, pragmatic and mutually beneficial initiatives and projects. We have been working together on increasing connectivity and closer economic integration," he added.
Krishna said the Government of India will undertake shortly, extensive renovation work at the most visible symbol of bilateral cooperation, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Male.
"The project to construct the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies in Male is on and we expect to hand over the project in mid 2013. Other major projects and initiatives under consideration include the proposal for the establishment of a Development Finance Institution in Maldives with the help of an Indian institution, promotion of the Maldives as a film shooting destination and the creation of enabling infrastructure for setting up a Information Technology (IT) village in Maldives," he added.
Krishna said the cooperation in the field of culture, education and training between the two countries is expanding at a rapid pace.
"The newly established India Cultural Center in Male would give a major fillip to the vibrant cultural exchanges between the two countries that share so much in common," he added.
Reaffirming that India attaches the highest importance to its relations with Maldives and seeks a deeper and stronger partnership, Krishna said: "We are guided by the fundamental premise that a prosperous, democratic and peaceful Maldives is in our mutual interest. We reiterate our continued commitment to assist Maldives in all possible ways as it seeks its rightful place in the comity of nations."
"The Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh, is looking forward to his visit to the Maldives in November 2011 at the invitation of the President of Maldives," he added.
Talking about his visit to Maldives, Krishna said: "My visit has been very productive. I have had the opportunity to call on His Excellency President Mohamed Nasheed and discuss and review with him our extensive bilateral cooperation and preparations for the upcoming SAARC Summit in the Maldives."
"Tomorrow, I am scheduled to meet Foreign Minister Mr. Ahmed Naseem as well as the Ministers of Defense, Home Affairs and Economic Development to discuss ongoing and future projects under bilateral cooperation as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest," he added.
ANI has learnt that both countries have agreed to commence a Male to Cochin ferry service.
According to official sources, a Mumbai to Male flight would soon be operational. So far, there is only a flight between Thiruvananthapuram-Male and a flight between Banglore and Male.
On Thursday, Krishna was given a red carpet welcome at Male International Airport. He was received by Maldives Foreign Minister Ahmed Naseem, Defence Minister Tholath Ibrahim Kaleyfaanu, Home Minister Hasan Afeef and several other leaders and officials. By Naveen Kapoor (ANI)
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