Maldives President speaks to Manmohan Singh on taking office(Update)

New Delhi, Feb 8 (ANI): The President of Maldives, Dr. Mohammed Waheed, had a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today after taking office during which he reaffirmed the special and close ties that Maldives has with India and said that he was committed to upholding the Constitution of that country and the rule of law.

The Prime Minister on his part conveyed his best wishes to President Waheed and said that India has always stood ready to provide any support or assistance that the people of the Maldives might require.

The Maldives President said that he looked forward to meeting the Prime Minister at the earliest opportunity.

Dr. Singh said he looked forward to such a meeting, which would give both sides an opportunity to discuss the further strengthening of bilateral cooperation. He also conveyed his good wishes to the people of Maldives for peace, prosperity and stability in the country.

The Prime Minister had earlier written to the new President of Maldives and assured him of continued support to the Maldivian people and cooperation with the Government of Maldives.

Dr. Singh in his felicitation letter to President Dr. Waheed said India is committed working with the Government of Maldives for the continued security and prosperity of both the countries.

President Nasheed announced his resignation yesterday after weeks of public protests over his order to arrest a senior judge, who had ordered release of a government critic, and handed over the power to his Vice President Mohammed Waheed Hassan. (ANI)