New Delhi, Feb 11: India and Maldives today signed a bilateral agreement on cooperation in the field of science and technology.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and his Maldivian counterpart Abdulla Shahid were the signatories.

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom also met Mukherjee to discuss and deliberate on various international issues.

Gayoom is also scheduled to hold high-level discussions with top Indian leaders including President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Earlier in the day, President Gayoom had received a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

India and the Maldives enjoy cordial and multi-dimensional relations. They also share ethnic, linguistic, cultural and commercial links.

India was among the first to recognize Maldives and establish diplomatic relations after its independence in 1965. (ANI)