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India, Maldives to work together for security in Indian Ocean Region, tackle Climate change

India, Maldives to work together for security in Indian Ocean Region, tackle Climate change

Male (Maldives), Mar 18 (UNI) India and Maldives on Monday pledged to work together to maintain peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region and also take adequate steps to strengthen the global response to climate change especially to island nations through multilateral fora including the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.
"Both Foreign Ministers agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region, and to strengthen coordination in enhancing regional maritime security," said a Joint Statement issued at the end of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's visit to Maldives.
Ms Swaraj, who held a wide range of talks with Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid and Home Minister Imran Abdulla among others, thanked the Maldives for its steadfast support against terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations.
Mr Shahid expressed the commitment of the Maldives to support efforts to combat terrorism, particularly "cross-border terrorism, and crimes such as piracy, organized crime, narcotic drugs and human trafficking".
"Highlighting the importance of combating the impacts of climate change, especially detrimental to developing countries, including Small Island Developing States, the Foreign Ministers agreed on the need to strengthen the global response to climate change, through multilateral forums including the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement," the Joint Statement said.
Both the Foreign Ministers reiterated the importance of an effective multilateral system as a key factor in tackling global challenges and agreed on the need to pursue reform of the main UN bodies, including the General Assembly, and the UN Security Council.
"The Maldivian side expressed its support for India’s candidature for permanent membership of an expanded and reformed UN Security Council. The Maldivian side also reiterated support for India’s candidature for non-permanent seat for the year 2020-21," the statement said.
The External Affairs Minister also met President Ibrahim Solih. "Strong convergence in India's 'Neighbourhood First' & Maldives' 'India First' policy. EAM Sushma Swaraj called on President of Maldives Solih in Male. Took stock of the progress made in bilateral relations since President Solih’s State visit to India in December 2018," MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar tweeted.
MEA spokesman also said in her last engagement during the two-day talks, Ms Swaraj also met former President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed .
Both the leaders exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations, he said.
Swaraj on Monday held talks with Maldives Home Minister Imran Abdulla and discussed ways to boost bilateral ties.
"Close bonds of friendship. Good meeting between EAM Sushma Swaraj and Maldives Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdullla on the second day of her visit to Maldives. Discussed steps to continue the upward trajectory in our bilateral relationship," MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar tweeted.
Ms Swaraj, who arrived here on Sunday on a two-day visit, also called on the Speaker of the Parliament of Maldives, the People's Majlis, Qasim Ibrahim. Ms Swaraj reiterated India's commitment to supporting the country in its path of peace, development, prosperity and democracy.
She also unveiled a plaque dedicating the renovated Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital to the people of Maldives in the city of Male.
Among others, Ms Swaraj was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.
Ms Swaraj's is the first high-level visit from India to the Maldives since new government assumed office in November last year.
UNI DEVN RSA 1457

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