Saudi Gazette report MALE – Saudi Arabia and Maldives have reiterated their determination to fight extremism and terrorism in all their forms and manifestations. In a joint communique issued on the occasion of the official visit of Crown Prince Salman on Friday, the two countries also underscored the significance of boosting bilateral security cooperation in fighting piracy, drug trafficking and money laundering. Crown Prince Salman held extensive talks with Maldives President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. The crown prince congratulated Abdul Gayoom on his election victory. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields. They highlighted that both countries are based on moderate and tolerant principles of Islam. Abdul Gayoom thanked the Kingdom for supporting Maldives to win membership of the UN Human Rights Council for four-year term that started in 2012. He also thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for the generous support being extended through the Saudi Development Fund, and the unlimited support rendered following the devastating tsunami that struck the tiny island nation in 2004. He also thanked the Kingdom for its donation to establish seven mosques. The leaders also discussed bilateral economic relations and ways to further strengthen them in a way serving the interests of the people of the two countries. Abdul Gayoom appreciated the Kingdom's role to restore peace and stability in the Middle East region, as well as to find a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue, as well as to end the bloody war in Syria. Crown Prince Salman also met former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, in whose tenure the two countries established diplomatic relations.
