The Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) provides a “wonderful opportunity” to explore new avenues for engagement between Maldives and India, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

This was done during a courtesy call paid on him by Minister of External Affairs of India Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar at the President’s Office on Wednesday morning.

The pair discussed the bilateral relations between the two countries and several areas in which both countries are cooperating in bilaterally, including socio-economic development, security, trade and regional governance.

These have further been facilitated with the several agreements and Memorandums of Understanding signed between both countries since Solih assumed office.

During the meeting, Dr. Jaishankar expressed his commitment to maintain the “excellent” relations India has with Maldives and noted the reinvigoration of bilateral friendship between the two countries since the new government was inaugurated.

Further, he expressed satisfaction with the participation of dignitaries from across the wide expanse of the Indian Ocean Region rather than from just South Asian countries, going on to emphasize the increasing global importance of the region.

The call ended with Solih extending his best wishes to President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.

Dr. Jaishankar arrived in the Maldives to attend the 4th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) at Paradise Island Resort.