Maldives, Sri Lanka visit reflects the importance India attaches to ''Neighbourhood First'' policy: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said his visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka beginning Saturday reflects importance India attaches to its ''Neighbourhood First'' policy and that it will furr cement bilateral ties with two maritime countries.

PM Modi will first travel to Maldives, in his first bilateral visit after retaining power in Lok Sabha polls. From Maldives, he will go to Sri Lanka on Sunday.

"I am confident that my visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka will furr strengn our close and cordial ties with our maritime neighbours, in line with our ''Neighbourhood-First Policy'' and vision of security and growth for all in region," Prime Minister said.

In a pre-departure statement, he said his visit to Sri Lanka is to express India's solidarity with government and people of island nation in wake of "terrible terrorist attacks" re on April 21.

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" people of India stand firmly with people of Sri Lanka, who suffered great agony and destruction in wake of horrific terror attacks on Easter. We fully support Sri Lanka in fight against terror," he said.

Sri Lanka was hit by a wave of bombings on Easter Sunday in which over 250 people were killed.

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About his visit to Maldives, PM Modi said India considers country as a valued partner with whom it shares deep bonds of history and culture.

"Our bilateral relations with Maldives have been greatly strengned in recent past. I am confident that my visit will furr deepen our multi-faceted partnership," he said.

Prime Minister visited Maldives in vember to attend President Ibrahim Solih's swearing-in ceremony.

relations between India and Maldives deteriorated after n President Abdulla Yameen imposed emergency on February 5 last year. However, ties were back on track under Ibrahim Solih's presidency.

"I also h opportunity to attend inauguration of President Solih in vember 2018. My visit to Maldives is reflective of importance we both attach to our relationship as maritime neighbours and long-standing friends," PM Modi said.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Thursday said both sides are expected sign a number of agreements to deepen cooperation in specific areas during PM Modi's visit.

On Sri Lanka, PM Modi said India's ties with it have gained considerable momentum in last few years. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena visited India last week for PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony.

"I look forward to meeting Sri Lankan leership during my visit," PM Modi said.