The President of the Republic of Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Waheed, is on an official visit to India from 11 to 15 May 2012 at the invitation of the Prime Minister. He is accompanied by Mrs. Ilham Hussain and a high level delegation.
2.This is Dr. Mohamed Waheed's first visit abroad after assuming the office of the President of the Republic of Maldives in February 2012. The President of Maldives is accompanied by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Finance and Treasury and Housing and Environment and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Maldives and other senior officials.
3.During his stay in India, the President of Maldives met with the President of India, Smt Pratibha Devsingh Patil and held bilateral talks with the Prime Minister on May 12, 2012. The Prime Minister also hosted an official luncheon in the honour of the President of Maldives.
4.The External Affairs Minister, the National Security Adviser and Foreign Secretary called on the President of Maldives.
5.The President of Maldives delivered a lecture at the Indian Council for World Affairs (ICWA), New Delhi on the ‘Rule of Law - the key to a successful transition' on 14 May, 2012.
6.Official talks between India and Maldives were held on May 12, 2012 in a very warm, cordial and friendly atmosphere reflective of the special relationship between the two countries.
7.In their discussions the Prime Minister of India and the President of Maldives recalled the close and friendly ties between the two countries. They reiterated an abiding faith in and commitment to democracy, development and peaceful cooperation.
8.The Prime Minister of India underlined that the peace and stability of Maldives was of great importance to India.He reiterated India's willingness to assist the Government and people of Maldives in their endeavours to build a stable, peaceful and prosperous country. He emphasised the importance of all political stakeholders in Maldives working together to take the democratic process forward. The President of Maldives reaffirmed the special and close ties that Maldives has with India. He reiterated appreciation for India's assistance and support to the reconciliation process in the wake of recent developments. The President of Maldives informed the Prime Minister of India on the steps taken by his Government to ensure peace and stability in the Maldives. He also reiterated the commitment of his Government to continue with their efforts to seek national reconciliation and resolve all issues in a peaceful and democratic manner.
9.Both sides agreed that the two countries share a common destiny and in this context reiterated their commitment to work together for the continued security and prosperity of both the countries.
10.The two leaders noted that the recent exchanges and visits, including that of the Defence Minister and the Foreign Minister of Maldives in March and April 2012, respectively, have been useful in taking forward the ongoing dialogue. It was agreed that such exchanges would be encouraged.
11.Both sides reiterated their commitment to uphold all bilateral agreements and understandings reached during the visit of the Prime Minister of India to Maldives in November 2011. They agreed to take forward and further strengthen the close and multifaceted bilateral cooperation encompassing a wide range of areas. In this context, it was agreed to expeditiously implement the projects for renovation of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Male and the establishment of the National Police Academy under grants-in aid from India.
12.The President of Maldives expressed appreciation for the US$ 40 million Line of Credit for construction of 500 housing units that was extended last year and it was agreed that the work on the same would commence at the earliest.
13.The President of Maldives conveyed appreciation for the release of an instalment of US$ 20 million from the Standby Credit Facility from India in February 2012 as well as the rollover of the US$ 50 million SBI Treasury Bonds by a year. The President of Maldives also thanked the Prime Minister of India for agreeing to an additional release of US $ 25 million from the Standby Credit Facility to the Government of Maldives.
14.Both sides welcomed the successful conduct of the five day India-Maldives-Sri Lanka Joint Coast Guard exercise - DOSTI XI off the coast of Male (Maldives) in April 2012.
15.The President of Maldives appreciated the fact that the first Military hospital in Maldives has been built with India's assistance. It was noted that the Defence Minister of Maldives had invited Raksha Mantri to inaugurate the hospital.
16.The Prime Minister of India appreciated the intention expressed by the President of Maldives to meet with the Indian business community during his visit with a view to attract more Indian investments to Maldives. He expressed the hope that the Government of Maldives would ensure a climate conducive for the promotion of investments and that the existing projects with Indian investments, including the Male International Airport project, would proceed satisfactorily.
17.The Prime Minister reiterated India's continued commitment to assist Maldives in its development efforts by providing economic and technical assistance.
18.Both the leaders agreed to continue to work towards achieving the goals of integration of economies, including through the implementation of the Special Skills Development Programme in Maldives.
19.The President of Maldives thanked the Prime Minister of India for the warmth and gracious hospitality extended to him and the members of his delegation during their stay in India.
20.The President of Maldives extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to pay a visit to Maldives.
New Delhi
May 14, 2012