PM Narendra Modi greets Maldives on its foundation day

The Maldives celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence on Sunday with a series of events which was attended by high ranking foreign dignitaries and officials from around the world. The function was witnessed by thousands, including President Abdulla Yameen, first lady Fathimath Ibrahim, and former presidents Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Mohamed Waheed Hassan.

“Maldives is a valued partner in the Indian Ocean neighbourhood & our ties are built on a very strong foundation”, the Prime Minister said.

President Sirisena was also given an Honour Guard on arrival at the airport, by the Maldives National Defence Force.

The Chinese president and his Maldivian counterpart jointly announced the establishment of a future-oriented all-round friendly and cooperative partnership during Xi’s visit to the Maldives last September.

The Sri Lankan delegation led by President Maithripala Sirisena was extended a warm welcome by Maldivian President Abdullah Yameen, when they arrived at the President’s Office in Malé. President Yameen had initially invited the Sri Lankan President to visit the Maldives at his earliest convenience in his congratulatory message for Sirisena’s election in January.

Sri Lanka and Maldives established formal diplomatic relations on 26th July 1965.