President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has met with the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

President Solih held bilateral discussions with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa as part of the ongoing State Visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The President and First Lady were received by H.M. King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa upon their arrival at the Al-Qudaibiya Palace. This was followed by a welcome ceremony that included the performance of both countries’ national anthems and the introduction of their respective delegations.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen the two countries’ close bilateral cooperation and areas of mutual interest. These included increasing connectivity, bilateral and developmental cooperation of both the countries.

Additionally, the meeting saw both leaders expressing hope that the visit would lay the groundwork for a new era in the Maldives-Bahrain relationship while also enhancing and broadening existing ties.

The Discussions also saw the King of Bahrain commending the Maldives tourism model.

In light of the range of areas in which the two countries collaborate, both leaders expressed their gratification that this state visit—the first such visit by a Maldivian leader to Bahrain—had been fruitful, with both countries agreeing to cooperate in a variety of fields.

Maldives and Bahrain established Diplomatic Relations on 24 March, 1980.

The President also highlighted the warm hospitality that had been accorded to him, the First Lady, and the Maldivian delegation throughout their stay and expressed his heartfelt gratitude.

Following the discussion, the President and the King of Bahrain met one-on-one to further discuss matters of cooperation.

President Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed departed to Bahrain on Wednesday, at the request of the King of Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

A delegation of senior Maldivian government officials is accompanying them on the visit.

The President and his delegation arrived at Bahrain International Airport, where they were received by the Bahraini Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, and a member of the Royal Family of Bahrain and a board member of the Supreme Council for Women, H.H. Sheikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa.

Upon their arrival at the airport, the President and First Lady inspected an honour guard accorded to them by the Bahrain Defence Force.

A number of memorandums of understanding are expected to be signed during the visit.

Furthermore, a number of high-level bilateral exchanges are also expected during the four day visit.

The President and the First Lady will also attend a luncheon hosted by the King of Bahrain in their honour.

The President, First Lady, and the Maldivian delegation are scheduled to conclude the State Visit and return to the Maldives on 8 October, 2022.