President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has sent a message of sympathy and condolences to the President of India Ram Nath Kovind following the demise of former Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
In his message, President Yameen said he learned the news of the demise of the former prime minister with deep sorrow, adding Atal Bihari Vajpayee would not only be remembered for his distinguished service and leadership for his country but also as a scholar who has made immense contribution to literature and art.
The president stated former Prime Minister Vajpayee would fondly be remembered for his contribution to human resource development in the Maldives and for the memorable visit that he made to the Maldives during his tenure as the Prime Minister of India. Moreover, the president extended profound sympathy to the president, the government and the people of India at this time of national loss on behalf of the government and the people of the Maldives. The president further conveyed sincere condolences to the family of the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee was an Indian politician who thrice served as the Prime Minister of India, first for a term of 13 days in 1996, for a period of eleven months from 1998 to 1999, and then for a full term from 1999 to 2004.