Minister of State for External Affairs Omar Abdullah arrived in Maldives capital Male on Wednesday on a two-day official visit to this Indian Ocean archipelago. Abdullah's visit, his first after taking over the new portfolio, assumes significance in view of India's desire to strengthen its bilateral relations with South Asian countries in the face of increased threat of terrorism following the September 11 attacks on the US.

India has always been playing a major role in the development of Maldives.
Earlier, during a brief stopover at Colombo, Abdullah spoke to Sri Lankan foreign minister Lakshman Kadirgamar and discussed with him the latest political situation in the country.
Abdullah told newsmen that his visit to Maldives was a bilateral one aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries. Bureau Report