PM Anwar Accorded Official Welcome In Maldives

From Mohd Fharkhan Abdul Ghapar

MALÉ (Maldives), Sept 15 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was accorded a full ceremonial welcome here today, marking the start of his official programme during his two-day visit to the Maldives.

Anwar arrived at the Presidential Jetty, the Izzudheen Jetty, here at 9.29 am local time (12.29 pm Malaysia time), where he was received by Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and treated to a cultural performance by local schoolchildren.

The Prime Minister, who is also Finance Minister, was accompanied by Maldives Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, who is the minister-in-attendance for the visit.

Also present at the welcoming ceremony were Malaysian Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan and Malaysian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Badli Hisham Adam.

Anwar was then escorted to the saluting dais, where he received a salute from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), followed by a 21-gun salute.

Malaysia’s national anthem, Negaraku, was then played, followed by the Maldives’ national anthem, before Anwar inspected the guard of honour mounted by MNDF personnel.

After the inspection, the Prime Minister returned to the saluting dais to receive a second salute before he and Muizzu were introduced to members of both delegations.

The two leaders then walked about 150 metres from Republic Square to the President’s Office in a cultural procession accompanied by the beat of local drums and participants dressed in traditional Maldivian attire.

At the President’s Office, Anwar and Muizzu are scheduled to hold a four-eye meeting before leading their respective delegations in a bilateral meeting to discuss efforts to further strengthen Malaysia-Maldives relations and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The two leaders are also scheduled to witness the exchange of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) before holding a joint press conference.

The visit reflects the commitment of both countries to further strengthen bilateral relations established in 1968, including in trade, investment and people-to-people ties.

-- BERNAMA