17th September 2012, Male'; The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Her Excellency Ms. Dunya Maumoon has called on the Indian Defence Minister His Excellency Mr. A.K Antony, who is on an official visit to the Maldives. At the meeting held today at Kurumba Maldives Resort and Spa, State Minister Dunya highlighted the close historical relations between the Maldives and India, and expressed her gratitude to the Indian Government for standing by the Maldives through the difficult times. The State Minister also expressed her appreciation for India's continued assistance and support to the socio-economic development of the Maldives and in international forums such as the Commonwealth.
During the meeting, Defence Minister Antony noted the close cooperation between the two countries especially in the defence sector. He assured that India will remain a close friend of the Maldives and will continue to work together in tackling common threats like terrorism, piracy and drug trafficking.
His Excellency Mr. Abdul Azeez Yoosuf, Ambassador at Large and Ms. Fathimath Inaya, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also participated in the meeting.
ENDS.