The Maldives government hosted an official welcome ceremony on Thursday for Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, at the Republic Square.
The Prime Minister was received at the Presidential Jetty in Malé by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and was treated to a welcoming performance by Maldivian school students. The Maldivian National Defense Force (MNDF) honoured her with a 21-gun salute while the Maldivian military brass band played the national anthems of both nations.
With a guard of honour in position, host dignitaries composed of senior officials from the Maldives' government including the Vice President Faisal Naseem and visiting dignitaries comprised of senior representatives from the Bangladeshi government jointly presented themselves. Following the welcoming courtesies, the Prime Minister was escorted to the President's Office by a cultural procession, and upon arrival, the Prime Minister signed the Visitor's Book.
The Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, would meet with President Solih for restricted talks, which would be followed by official talks between the two nations. Both leaders would then preside over a ceremony to exchange a number of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and deliver joint press statements. Later in the evening, the President would host a banquet in honour of the visiting Prime Minister.
Sheikh Hasina is visiting the Maldives at the invitation of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. She will conclude official duties on December 23, and remain in the Maldives until December 27. She will spending her vacation at a resort in Emboodhoo Falhu after conclusion of official duties.
