Male: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Maldives on Saturday, on his first foreign visit after re-election to strengthen the bilateral ties.
The two-day visit is aimed at further cementing ties with the Indian Ocean archipelago.
PM Modi was received at Male airport by Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid.
“Friendship forever! PM @narendramodi arrives in Male, capital of Maldives to a warm reception by Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid. PM was last here for President (Ibrahim Mohamed) Solih’s inauguration ceremony in November 2018,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Twitter.
Friendship forever!
PM @narendramodi arrives in Male, capital of Maldives to a warm reception by Foreign Minister @abdulla_shahid. PM was last here for President @ibusolih ‘s inauguration ceremony in November 2018. #Neighbourhoodfirst@MDVForeign @presidencymv pic.twitter.com/yUYWMgiDmf
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 8, 2019
PM Modi will be conferred with the Maldives’ highest honour “Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen” during his visit.
“The Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen” is the Maldives’ highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries, Foreign Minister Shahid said on Twitter ahead of his visit.
President @ibusolih has announced his decision to confer on PM of India H.E. @narendramodi the Maldives highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries, “The Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen” during PM’s visit today. Namaskar, Swagatham 🙏
— Abdulla Shahid 🎈 (@abdulla_shahid) June 8, 2019
PM Modi on Friday said his visit to the Maldives reflects the importance India attaches to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. He added that India considers the Maldives as a valued partner with whom it shares deep bonds of history and culture.
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will also address the Maldivian Parliament, the Majlis, an indication of India’s important position in the neighbourhood.
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