India looks forward to working closely with new Maldives President

NEW DELHI: India today welcomed the successful conclusion of the Maldives' Presidential election process in a peaceful manner and said it looks forward to cooperating closely with new President Abdulla Yamin Abdul Gayoom and his government.

Extending congratulations to Yamin Abdul Gayoom, the half-brother of former Maldivian President Abdul Gayoom, External Affairs Ministry in an official release said the high voter turn-out in every round of Presidential elections is indicative of the strong desire and determination of the people of Maldives to participate wholeheartedly in the process of choosing their President.

"We welcome the acceptance of the verdict of the people of Maldives by all sides and commitment expressed to take the country forward on the path of stability, progress and development," it said.

Noting that India and Maldives have traditionally maintained the closest ties of friendship and cooperation, the ministry said it extends to people-to-people contacts, economic and developmental partnership and defence and security cooperation.

"India will continue to partner Maldives in this endeavour and looks forward to cooperating closely with the new President and his government," it said.

Abdulla Yameen yesterday clinched an unexpected victory in the presidential run-off elections by defeating former President Mohamed Nasheed, who had led in two recent polls.

The 54-year-old economist, also known as Yameen Abdul Gayoom, contested as a Progressive Party of Maldives candidate.