New Delhi, Dec 9 (UNI) A Parliamentary Delegation from Maldives, led by Speaker of the People’s Majlis of Maladives, on Monday called on Vice-President and Chairman, Rajya Sabha, M Venkaiah Naidu in Parliament House.
Welcoming the delegation, Mr Naidu appreciated the important role Mr Mohamed Nasheed played in ushering democracy in Maldives as well as in promoting bilateral ties with India.
Acknowledging his contribution as Speaker of the People's Majlis in bringing the countries closer, Mr Naidu said that Parliament being the bedrock of any democracy, closer ties between Majlis and Indian Parliament will further strengthen both the Democracies.
Speaking on bilateral relations between the two countries, Mr Naidu said that being a close neighbour with ties of kinship, history and culture, India shares close bonds with Maldives and it is because of shared democratic values, multi-faceted partnership between the two countries will get consolidated.
He further said that the relations between the two countries derive its strength from mutual trust and respect and sensitivity for each other’s concerns.
Recalling the State Visits of President Solih to India in December 2018 and that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Maldives in June 2019, he said that these visits have opened up new vistas for bilateral cooperation which encompasses defence and security cooperation, capacity building and training in a vast spectrum of areas.
Reflecting upon the India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Maldives’ India First policy, Mr Naidu said that it charted a new path for development and cooperation.
Mr Naidu appreciated that people-to-people contacts between India and Maldives have strengthened in the past one year spanning areas such as tourism in which there has been a 105 per cent increase during January-September this year as compared to the same period in the year 2018, business, health and education.
Speaking on Parliamentary cooperation between the two countries, he said that as a close neighbour and friend, India is happy to share its best practices in the areas of Parliamentary work and legislation and to strengthen institutional linkages between the Indian Parliament and the People’s Majlis through training and capacity building.
The delegation led by Mr. Mohamed Nasheed appreciated the friendly relationships between the two countries and hoped that such visit would further strengthen the existing bonds.
UNI AR SHK2045