Kuala lumpur: 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, 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Prime Minister, who also serves as Finance Minister, was accompanied by Maldives Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, who is serving as the minister-in-attendance for this 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 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 played, followed by the Maldives' national anthem. Anwar then inspected the guard of honour mounted by MNDF personnel. After the inspection, he returned to the saluting dais to receive a second salute before he and Muizzu were introduced to members of both delegations.
The leaders then proceeded on a 150-metre cultural procession from Republic Square to the President's Office, accompanied by the rhythmic beat of local drums and participants dressed in traditional Maldivian attire. At the President's Office, Anwar and Muizzu are scheduled to hold a private meeting before leading their respective delegations in a bilateral meeting to discuss efforts to strengthen Malaysia-Maldives relations and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The two leaders are also expected to witness the exchange of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and address a joint press conference. The visit underscores the commitment of both countries to further enhance bilateral relations established in 1968, including in trade, investment, and people-to-people ties.