India privileged to be a partner of Maldives: Krishna

Saturday, 30 July 2011 02:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

ANI: External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna has said that India is privileged to be a partner of Maldives, in their quest to craft a more harmonious and prosperous society.

Prior to his departure to Maldives, Krishna said: “Consolidation of democracy in the country has added yet another common bond in our ties. We are privileged to be a partner of Maldives, in their quest to craft a more harmonious and prosperous society.” “I am on my way to Maldives, a neighbour with which we have traditionally enjoyed the closest of relations. I am pleased at the steady expansion of our bilateral ties, including in sectors like trade and investments, Human Resource Development, capacity building, health, infrastructure, tourism, energy, and culture,” he added.

Krishna further said in recent years, corporate India has also been increasingly investing in the priority sectors of Maldives like hospitality, energy and infrastructure, which has been welcomed by Government of Maldives.

The External Affairs Minister would be calling on President Mohamed Nasheed and other leaders during his visit.

“During my visit, I would be calling on President Mohamed Nasheed and other leaders, as well as, holding delegation level talks with my counterpart, on the entire gamut of bilateral relations. I would also be visiting Addu Atoll, where the SAARC Summit will be held in November this year. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh is looks forward to participate in the Summit,” said Krishna.

“I am eagerly looking forward to my visit and discussions in Maldives,” he added.