Maldives President Ibrahim Solih, who is no three-day official foreign visit to India, has on Sunday, arrived India and will hold talks session with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed to strengthen bilateral ties between India and Maldives.
In September, Solih has defeated Abdulla Yameen in general polls, arrived on Sunday’s afternoon and was received by Indian union minister Hardeep Singh Puri. Solih was taken to Rashtrapati Bhavan as a special guest of Indian government.
According to news reports, while addressing a public event, Solih said India is a very close friend nation od Maldives and also described India as one of a most important trade partners of Maldives. Reports said the meeting is also aimed at facilitating smooth procurement of the visas for citizens of both the nations.
In a tweet, spokesperson of ministry of external affairs Raveesh Kumar wrote: “Fortifying close bonds of cooperation and friendship. President of #Maldives @ibusolih received by MoS @MoHUA_India @HardeepSPuri on arrival in Delhi – his first foreign visit after assuming office & within a month of visit of PM @narendramodi to Maldives.”
After a ceremonial reception on Monday, Solih will meet Modi and also India’s President Ram Nath Kovind. Sohil will also hold talks with India’s vice president Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu and also foreign minister Sushma Swaraj.
A day after a set of meetings with Indian officials on Monday, Solih will visit Taj Mahal on Tuesday. Solih’s visit comes after Modi has attended Solih’s swearing-in ceremony. Modi showed his willingness towards increased bilateral ties with Maldives and had also said he was looking forwards to closely work with Solih and also expressed confidence over the renewal of ties.