Maldives donates $50,000 for flood-hit Kerala

New Delhi Aug 20 (IANS) Expressing sympathies to the government and people of India over the death and destruction in Kerala floods the Maldives has announced a donation of $50 000 as a "token contribution in solidarity" the Maldives Embassy here said on Monday.
"The government of Maldives conveys profound sympathies to the government and the people of India in particular to those directly affected by the tragedy " the Embassy quoted a statement from Maldives President Abdulla Yameen s office as saying in a statement.
"India is our closest neighbour " Maldives Ambassador to India Ahmed Mohamed said in the embassy statement.
"Any natural disaster or calamity that strikes our neighbour has an emotional impact on Maldives.
"This donation is a small gesture to a neighbour and friend who has always stood by Maldives in its hour of need."
Ties between India and the Maldives have been strained since President Yameen imposed Emergency in February after the Supreme Court ordered the release and retrial of former President Mohamed Nasheed a pro-India leader and other prisoners.

--IANS ab/mr