Singh writes to new Prez, assures support

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday reached out to new President of Maldives, Mohamed Waheed, expressing India's "continued support" to him.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday reached out to new President of Maldives, Mohamed Waheed, expressing India's "continued support" to him.

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Singh wrote a letter to Waheed, who took over after Mohamed Nashed stepped down in the face of widespread protests on Tuesday.

"I take this opportunity to extend my warm felicitations to you on your assumption of office as President of the Maldives," Singh said in the letter.

The Prime Minister said as a "close and friendly neighbour" India will continue to support the Maldivian people's efforts to build a stable, peaceful and prosperous country."

Noting that the two countries share a common destiny and have common security interests, Singh said, "India is committed to working with you and the government in Maldives to further enhance our close, bilateral cooperation to mutual benefit and for the continued security, progress and prosperity of our two countries."

Waheed also talked to Singh over the telephone, reaffirming the close ties Maldives has with India. Waheed said he was committed to upholding the Constitution of his country.

Singh conveyed his best wishes and said India, as always, was ready to provide any support or assistance that the people of the Maldives might require. The Maldives president said he looked forward to an opportunity to meet Singh at the earliest. The Prime Minister also said he looked forward to such a meeting, which would strengthen bilateral cooperation.