New Delhi, Dec 15 (UNI) New President of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will arrive India on a three-day crucial visit on Sunday.
During his stay the visiting dignitary will hold vital talks on strategic importance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind and also External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, official sources said here.
Giving a hint on Maldives new dispensation's clear preference to India in its diplomatic and bilateral ties, the new Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid visited India in November within a week of swearing in of the new regime in that country.
The Maldives Minister had reaffirmed Maldives’ special, close and friendly relations with India. He also has said that the new dispensation in Maldives will be "sensitive towards India’s security and strategic concerns".
Ibrahim Mohamed Solih took over as the new President of Maldives on November 17 after a keenly observed election. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had attended the grand swearing in ceremony.
During their bilateral talks with Maldives Foreign Minister (Abdulla Shahid), External Affairs Minister Ms Swaraj had pledged to boost bilateral ties and committed to support the new dispensation in that country in all socio economic endeavours.
For his part, Mr Abdulla also had asserted that his government will uphold the 'India First' policy with all sincerity.
"The visiting Minister Abdulla reiterated his Government’s "India First” policy and said that his government looks forward to working closely with the government of India on all issues," a release from the MEA has said.
The new Maldives President Mr Solih will be given a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan
on Monday.
Mr Solih will visit Rajghat and lay wreath at the Samadhi of Mahatama Gandhi.
Ms Swaraj will call on the Maldives President at around 1100 hours on Monday.
Prime Minister Modi and Mr Solih will meet in the afternoon and both the leaders also take part at the
delegation level talks.
This would be followed by Exchange of Agreements and Press Statements.
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu will also meet the dignitary while President Mr Kovind's meeting with his counterpart from Maldives is scheduled in the evening on December 17, Monday.
The President of Maldives is likely to visit Taj Mahal at Agra on Tuesday, December 18.
UNI DEVN AR 1453