Male: India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

The meeting was held at the VVIP lounge at the Hanimaadhooo International Airport.

Speaking with Dr Jaishankar, President Solih expressed his appreciation to the minister for attending the groundbreaking ceremony of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport expansion project.

He added that the project would transform the economic landscape of the country and the northern region into an economic hub.

The President also expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, the government of India and its friendly people for the continued assistance to the Maldives, reads a statement issued by the Maldives President office.

President Solih and Dr Jaishankar discussed strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

They emphasised their commitment to enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as tourism cooperation, business-to-business cooperation focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises and other areas of bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation.

The President also noted the financial and budgetary support provided to the Maldives by the government of India.

The President highlighted that the Maldives-India friendship is rooted in cultural and historical links and shared values.

He added that the Maldives had gained immense benefits under India's "Neighbourhood First Policy" and assured Maldives' continued commitment to upholding its India First Policy.

The Maldives and India established diplomatic relations on November 1, 1965.