New Delhi: Within days of his hectic US trip, Prime Minister Atal Behari will embark on a four-day official visit to Maldives from September 22 to further strengthen multi-faceted relationship and explore prospects of enhancing co-operation in diversified areas.

"The visit reflects the importance that government of India attaches to developing and reinforcing relations with Maldives, its friendly neighbour," the External Affairs Ministry said on September 13.

The Prime Minister will hold talks with President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on a wide range of regional, global and issues of common interest and concern.

New Delhi's concerns over Islamabad's failure to honour its commitments to visibly and permanently end cross-border terrorism and infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir is expected to be conveyed by Vajpayee to the Maldivian leadership.

India has always supported Maldives in its developmental efforts, especially in areas of human resource development, health care and infrastructure.

"Prime Minister's visit will give further impetus to ongoing collaborative programmes and will focus on new areas of co-operation, namely tourism and information technology," the Ministry said.

PTI