President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has touched down in Kigali, Rwanda on an official visit.

The president departed from Velana International Airport (VIA) on Wednesday and arrived in Rwanda on Thursday.

His trip is to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2022.

The Maldivian president was received by the Minister of Local Government, Jean Marie Vianney Gatabazi upon his arrival at Kigali International Airport.

According to the President’s Office, the president’s visit to Rwanda mirrors the incumbent administration’s commitment to engage with the international community, especially with the Commonwealth member states, in promoting democracy, human rights, good governance, multilateralism and world peace.

The incumbent administration seeks to engage in the exchange of expertise and assistance with regard to building inclusive, resilient and environmentally conscious communities through such multilateral forums.

President Solih is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with other world leaders to strengthen the Maldives’ role in the international community, advance its shared interests, and contribute to resolving global issues on the sidelines of the meeting.

During the meeting in Kigali where leaders from 54 countries will gather, discussions will revolve around youth, women, business and civil society.

The world leaders will also be engaging in private discussions at the Commonwealth Leaders Retreat, regarding collaboration on the global platform and Commonwealth priorities.

CHOGM 2022 is the first meeting to be held since the island nation rejoined to the Commonwealth of Nations on 1 February 2020.

First Lady Fazna Ahmed and a high-level delegation of government officials accompany the president on the trip.