Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that his visit to the Maldives is reflective of the importance the two countries attach to their relationship as maritime neighbours and long-standing friends.
In his statement before his departure,PM Modi noted that he had attended the inauguration of Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in November of last year and that he had received President Solih in India last December.
In the statement, PM Modi said he is confident that his visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka will further strengthen the close and cordial ties with India's maritime neighbours, in line with its ‘Neighbourhood-First Policy’ and the vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region.
He said his visit to Maldives on Saturday is on the invitation of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and that this will be his first overseas visit after his re-election.
“We regard the Maldives as a valued partner with whom we share deep bonds of history and culture. Our bilateral relations with the Maldives have been greatly strengthened in the recent past. I am confident that my visit will further deepen our multifaceted partnership.”
