Opening Statement

The Prime Minister is visiting Maldives at the invitation of His Excellency Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom,President of the Republic of Maldives. The last State visit from India was that of Prime Minister NarasimhaRao in 1995. Prime Minister I.K. Gujral visited Maldives for the SAARC Summit in 1997. President Gayoom hadvisited India in August 2000. President Gayoom and PM met on the sidelines of the SAARC Summit in January2002. Both leaders are in close touch with each other reflecting the close political cooperation between thetwo countries.

President Gayoom was one of the first leaders to telephone PM condemning the heinous terrorist attack on ourParliament last year.

After assuming his new responsibilities in July 2002, EAM had made his first visit to Maldives reflecting theGovernment of India’s policy to accord priority to strengthening relations with neighbouring countries.

Prime Minister’s visit reflects the special desire of Government of India to not only reinforce itsrelations with a friendly neighbour but also to carry their relationship further in terms of enhanced economiccooperation.

During the visit Prime Minister will hold talks with Excellency Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, President ofMaldives on bilateral matters. He will also exchange views with the Maldivian leadership on regional andglobal issues of common interest and concern.

India has always supported Maldives in its developmental efforts especially in areas of human resourcedevelopment, healthcare and building of infrastructure. Maldives appreciates India’s economic support forits development programmes.

The Prime Minister’s visit will give further impetus to ongoing collaborative programmes and will focuson new areas of cooperation namely tourism and information technology. Government of India has earlier focusedon health and education of which the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital and the Maldives Institute of TechnicalEducation (Faculty of Engineering Technology) are two signposts.

Government of India has now decided to collaborate in another key sector for Maldives, i.e. tourism.Accordingly,Prime Minister will participate jointly with President Gayoom in a foundation laying ceremony forthe Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies that will be built with Government of India’s assistance.

In response to the increasing popularity of Indian training schemes, Government of India has decided toincrease the training opportunities for Maldivians in our ITEC Programmes.

In terms of the MoU on Health signed last year Government of India will augment the facilities of IndiraGandhi Memorial Hospital by deputing specialists in various disciplines.

Government of India will also be supplying material equipment to develop island infrastructure includingjetties with the Population and Consolidation Development Programme of Maldives.

It is likely that other economic projects will be discussed by the two leaders.