MALE, Nov 22: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has offered the Maldivian government financial and technical assistance in a number of areas, including education and defence, and sought strengthening of bilateral ties.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz held wide-ranging delegation talks with the Maldives President Maumoom Abdul Gayoom at the Presidential Palace here on Monday evening. President Gayoom is Asia's longest-serving leader who has held office since 1978.

The talks covered all aspects of bilateral relations and focused on the Saarc process. During the talks both the leaders agreed to enhance relations in areas of commerce, trade, tourism. It was also decided to increase cultural exchanges and official interaction.

The prime minister briefed the Maldivian President on the ongoing Pakistan-India peace process as well as on Pakistan's role in the war against terrorism. President Gayoom supported Pakistan's stand on Kashmir and said the dispute should be resolved in accordance to the principles of self determination. He appreciated the Pakistan-India dialogue.