Male, Nov 12(ANI): India and Maldives is working together on increasing connectivity and closer economic cooperation, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said today.
Dr. Singh's comment comes after he met Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed in Male.
"I have just concluded very fruitful and productive discussions with His Excellency President Nasheed. I conveyed to the President my warm felicitations on holding an extremely successful SAARC Summit," Dr. Singh said after the meeting.
"I am confident that under President Nasheed's chairmanship of SAARC, the pace of our activities will gather even greater momentum," he added.
The Prime Minister further said that the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest.
"We have had a meeting of minds on all issues, including on the future direction of our partnership. Bilateral cooperation between India and Maldives has been on a high growth trajectory in recent times. We have approached our partnership in a comprehensive, forward looking, pragmatic and mutually beneficial manner. We are working together on increasing connectivity and closer economic cooperation. These efforts are bearing fruit," Dr. Singh said.
He also revealed that India and Maldives have signed a 'Framework Agreement on Cooperation for Development' which puts in place a template for cooperation in a very wide range of areas such as trade and investment, food security, fisheries development, tourism, transportation, information technology, new and renewable energy, communications, and connectivity.
"The agreement recognizes the role which our two countries can play in the Indian Ocean region," he added.
Dr. Singh further said that India attaches the highest importance to its relations with Maldives and seeks a deeper and stronger partnership.
"We are guided by the premise that a prosperous, democratic and peaceful Maldives is in the interest of the entire region. I wish to reiterate our continued commitment to assist Maldives in all possible ways as it seeks to play its rightful role in the comity of nations," he said.
"I once again thank the government and people of Maldives for the warm hospitality that has been extended to me during my visit," he added. (ANI)
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