Maldivian government on Monday hosted an official welcoming ceremony at the Republic Square for the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe to initiate the formalities of his visit.
The Prime Minister and his wife, Professor Maithree Wickremasinghe, were received by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed at the Presidential Jetty in capital Male'.
They were greeted by a welcoming performance by Maldivian school students prior to being escorted to the Saluting Dais and a 7-gun salute being fired in PM Wickremesinghe's honour by Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
The national anthems of both Maldives and Sri Lanka were played by the Maldivian military brass band.
With a guard of honour assembled, host dignitaries comprised of senior officials of the Maldivian government, and visiting dignitaries comprised of the Sri Lankan government’s senior-most representatives, jointly presented themselves.
A very warm welcome to the Maldives to our dear friend @RW_UNP Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. The PM and I had highly positive discussions on a range of important issues. During the PM's visit 4 MoUs on visa, social protection, higher education and vocational training were signed. pic.twitter.com/AGnPjt1r9c
— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) September 2, 2019
After the welcoming ceremony concluded, the Prime Minister was escorted to the President’s Office, where official talks are scheduled with President Solih.
Both the leaders will preside over an agreement signing ceremony and deliver a Joint Press Statement afterwards.
Additionally, a banquet will be hosted in the afternoon by President Solih in the Prime Minister's honour.
This marks Prime Minister Wickremasinghe's first visit to Maldives since President Solih took office in September 2018.
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