Enormous potential to expand India-Maldives ties: President Pranab Mukherjee

NEW DELHI: Underlining the common strategic interest shared by India and Maldives in the Indian Ocean Region, President Pranab Mukherjee today said there is enormous potential for further expanding and diversifying of traditional ties of friendship and cooperation.

Extending his greetings to the government and the people on the occasion of Republic Day of Maldives today, Mukherjee, in his message to Maldives President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, said both countries have traditionally enjoyed extremely close and friendly ties, anchored in shared historical and socio-cultural bonds.

"On behalf of the government and the people of India, it gives me great pleasure to convey our warm greetings and felicitations to Your Excellency and to the friendly people of the Republic of Maldives on the occasion of your Republic Day," he said.

Mukherjee said both countries share a common strategic interest in the stability and security of the Indian Ocean Region.

"There is enormous potential for further expanding and diversifying our traditional ties of friendship and cooperation for fulfilling the aspirations of the people of our two countries," the President said.

He said India attaches the highest importance to its time-tested relationship with Maldives and looks forward to working with its government for the mutual benefit of the two nations.