Following the visit in 1435H, a joint statement has been issued where the two sides stressed importance of existing cooperation through the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), confirming existing bonds of brotherhood between the two countries based on Islam which is the religion of moderation and tolerance. Maldives is a member of the Muslim World League and is formed of a group of coral islands "about 1,190 islands, including 200 populated island". Maldives is located north of the Indian Ocean and southwest of Sri Lanka. The weather in Maldives is warm and moisture and is characterized by monsoon rains. The area of Maldives is 298 km2 and its capital is Malé. The official language is Maldivian (Dhivehi) and the Maldivian currency is Maldivian rufiyaa. --More 19:20 LOCAL TIME 16:20 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w