Maldives President in New Delhi, to sign bilateral agreements

New Delhi, Feb 11 : Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom today said that his meetings with top Indian leaders will be a part and, in continuation with the 'growth of relations between the Maldives and India in various fields'.

"This is in continuation with the high-level dialogue between the two countries. I will have talks with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and later in the evening with President Pratibha Patil. This is as I said in continuation with the growth of relations between the Maldives and India in various fields," said Gayoom after he received a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Gayoom was received by President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

The operational part of his visit will take place today, when he holds talks with Dr. Singh, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and other Indian leaders.

Both countries will also sign bilateral agreements for cooperation in various areas.

Gayoom, who is on a seven-day state visit to India, will also participate in climate change seminar as the head of one of the first countries to be affected by climate change.

India and the Maldives enjoy cordial and multi-dimensional relations. They also share ethnic, linguistic, cultural and commercial links.

India was among the first to recognize Maldives and establish diplomatic relations after its independence in 1965.

ANI