India assures help to Maldives in economic crisis

Male, Nov 11 (UNI) India today assured the Maldives assistance to help that country overcome the economic crisis.

''India would help the Maldives overcome the economic crisis and the Maldives has showed confidence that bilateral relations would not only continue but also touch new heights,'' special secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Dinesh Kumar Jain, told mediapersons after Indian Vice-President Mohammed Hamid Ansari's meeting with Maldives President Mohammed Nasheed and Vice-President Mohammed Wahid Hassan Malik.

Mr Jain added that the Maldives has urged India to help in energy, especially in solar energy, science and technology, information technology, health and education sector.

Mr Ansari also invited Mr Nasheed to visit India and the latter accepted the invitation.

Both countries would continue their strategic relations, according to the External Affairs Ministry.

Mohammed Nasheed was sworn in as President of the Maldives today on the occasion of his country's Republic Day.

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