A six member Maldivian delegation led by Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, Leader of the Parliamentary Group of the Progress Party of Maldives, and also the presidential candidate of Progress Party, met the Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh early on Friday.

Previously the Maldivian presidential candidate Mohammad Nasheed had met Dr Singh.

The meeting was held in the context of ongoing Indian engagement with all Maldivian stake holders.

Dr Singh mentioned that India was engaged with various Maldivian political parties. He hoped for free and fair elections in September and expressed the desire that there will be a smooth transition. He also emphasized on the need to ensure understanding among all that outcome of the elections is recognized by all and there are no reprisals.

Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom agreed with this. He expressed his thanks for the traditional Indian support for Maldives and expressed the desire that these unique bonds should continue to grow and prosper. He invited Indian investment to contribute to Maldives’ growth and said that he would contribute in creating a conducive atmosphere. He also thanked the Prime Minister that India was always there when Maldives needed.

Other members of the delegation were Dunya Maumoon, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Adheeb Abdul Gafoor, Vice President of PPM, Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture; Moosa Zameer, Member of Parliament, Council Member, Campaign Manager; Abdulla Maseeh, Member of Parliament, Council Member; Ahmed Faris Maumoon, Council Member and Mohamed Ghassaan Maumoon, Minister of State for Human Resource, Youth & Sports, Council Member.