AGENCIES / MALE
Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has thanked the Indian Government for its continued mutually beneficial assistance, especially in the areas of defence and security.
This was conveyed when army chief General Bipin Rawat met a courtesy call to him in Male and discussed areas for further cooperation between the two neighbours.
Speaking at the meeting, President Solih highlighted the warmth and affection that marks the relationship between the two countries.
Noting the closeness accorded to Maldives by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, President Solih said the recent visit by the Prime Minister to the Maldives reaffirmed the relationship.
He further spoke about the joint efforts by both nations to address terrorism and maritime security concerns in the Indian Ocean Region.
Army chief on his part thanked the President and his government for the warm hospitality arranged during his visit and described Maldives as the heart of the Indian Ocean.
Rawat is on six-day visit to the island country and has met foreign and defence ministers, among other dignitaries.