Pledging to deepen further the multi-faceted ties with India, Maldives' new President Mohamed Nasheed on Tuesday sought New Delhi's assistance
MALE: Pledging to deepen further the multi-faceted ties with India, Maldives' new President Mohamed Nasheed on Tuesday sought New Delhi's assistance in areas like IT and Science and Technology.
The economic cooperation between the two countries was reviewed when Vice President Hamid Ansari called on Nasheed, who was sworn-in as the first democratically-elected President of the Indian Ocean archipelago earlier in the day.
During the meeting which was "extremely friendly, cordial and full of mutual understanding," Ansari assured India's "continued support and cooperation in all areas" to Maldives, D K Jain, Special Secretary in Ministry of External Affairs, said here.
He said the new Maldivian leadership also affirmed its determination to "maintain continuity" in ties with India "in all manner and in all areas."
The Maldivian President suggested "some new ideas" on the basis of his five poll promises, Jain said, adding the areas included solar energy, which could be harnessed in abundance here, science and technology, Information Technology, health and education.
Describing Maldives as a key ally, Indian High Commissioner A K Pandey said the "central message" of the meeting was that Male would like to build on the alliance with India and further develop and deepen it.
Maldivian authorities sought Indian companies' help in improving the transport system in this country and invited them to participate in the bidding process when it is thrown open to international contractors, Jain said, adding that it would not be in "too distant future".
Indian community has also contributed to the economic and social development of the scenic island nation, he noted.
Replying to a question on the defence cooperation between the two countries, Jain said "the keyword is continuity which was reiterated and reaffirmed and that cut across all areas including the strategic cooperation."
He said that everyone knows about India coming to the rescue of the then Maldivian government in 1988 at a short notice when Sri Lankan 'mercenary' soldiers attempted to dislodge the Gayoom government.
"Both sides reiterated that relationship will be continued in the same manner and it will continue to grow," Jain said.
To a question on reports about China's growing interest in infrastructure activities in Maldives, he did not give a direct answer and said the relationship between India and Maldives is multi-dimensional. He recalled Indian people's involvement in the field of medicine, education and culture in Maldives.
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