Male, Nov 10 : Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari has arrived in Maldives’ capital Male on a two-day visit, where he will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly-elected President of Indian Ocean Island Republic, Mohammed Nasheed on Tuesday.

Forty-one-year-old Nasheed was elected as the President of Republic of Maldives in the first ever multi-party Presidential elections held on October 28, this year. He defeated Maumaoom Abdool Gayoom, who was undisputed ruler of the Maldives for 30 consecutives years.

Today, Ansari will take part in the reception hosted by the Indian High Commission.

Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdullah Shahid received the Vice President at the airport.

Earlier while talking to the media on board, Ansari highlighted the importance of Indo- Maldives relations and smooth transition of the power in this country.

At the inaugural ceremony Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hasan will also be sworn in as the Vice President of the Republic of Maldives.

During the visit, the Vice President will call on the new President Nasheed, Vice President Hasan and President Gayoom.

India looks forward to strengthening and deepening its relationship with Maldives and assisting it in its various developmental efforts. (ANI)