Maldives/India: Maldives and India held the first meeting of the High-Level Core Group in Male on January 14.

"The First meeting of the High-Level Core Group between the Maldives and India took place today, in Male'", the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives said in its statement on January 14.

During the meeting, Maldives and India reviewed the existing bilateral cooperation.

Both sides held discussions on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including development cooperation.

Maldives and India also expressed willingness to intensify cooperation and agreed to fast-track the withdrawal of Indian military personnel.

During the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, both countries reviewed the existing bilateral cooperation.

"Discussions were held on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including development cooperation. Both sides expressed willingness to intensify cooperation and agreed to fast-track the withdrawal of Indian military personnel", the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives said.

"It was agreed that the second meeting of the High-Level Core Group will be held at a mutually convenient time", the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives said.

"The first meeting of the India-Maldives High Level Core Group was held in Male today. During the meeting, both sides held discussions on wide ranging issues related to bilateral cooperation towards identifying steps to enhance the partnership, including expediting the implementation of ongoing development cooperation projects. Both sides also held discussions on finding mutually workable solution to enable continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medvac services to the people of Maldives. It was agreed to hold the next meeting of the High Level Core Group in India on a mutually convenient date", the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in its statement on January 14.