Former President of the Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom met with the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday to discuss the country’s bilateral ties.
Gayoom expressed his support for President Waheed’s recent pledge to hold elections in July 2013. The former president also highlighted the need for Sri Lankan investment in the Maldivian economy, reports Haveeru.
Rajapaksa was reported to have been told of the need for a peaceful environment in which President Waheed’s administration could continue to develop the country.
The Sri Lankan President thanked the Maldivian government for its recent support for the country at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
Gayoom’s Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) won its first official seat in parliament last weekend after its candidate won the Thimirafushi by-election. All other PPM supporters in the Majlis have been required to stand as independents since the party was formed in October 2011.