Lankan people need President's leadership - Maldivian President

The convincing victory achieved by the government led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at all recent elections including the Presidential and General Elections proved that the people of Sri Lanka are in dire need of President's leadership for the country's development as much as for wiping out terrorism said Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed.

The Maldivian President expressed these sentiments during bilateral talks held with President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the sidelines of the 16th SAARC Summit in Thimpu, Bhutan.

The Maldivian President said the people who had realised the progressive policies adopted by the present Sri Lankan government had given their optimum support to it at consecutive elections because President Mahinda Rajapaksa who ushered in permanent peace had the strength to steer the country towards development.

A Presidential media unit release said during the talks the two state leaders paid attention to many important issues concerning the two countries and agreed to implement a joint program to improve the fisheries industry in the two countries and improve transport facilities between them via sea routes.