President Solih arrives in India on historic trip
16 ޑިސެމްބަރު 2018 | އާދީއްތަ 13:11The first couple will be staying at Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official presidential palace
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed lands in New Delhi
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has arrived in India.
President Solih is visiting India with First Lady Fazna Ahmed on his first state visit abroad since assuming office.
The President and his entourage travelled in an Air India flight sent by the Indian government and landed in New Delhi at 2pm, where they were received by Air Commodore S. K. JHA VSM.
During the three-day trip, the first couple will be staying at Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official presidential palace, where an official welcoming ceremony will be held on Monday at 9:30am Maldives time.
President Solih arrives in Delhi
Maldives and India’s relations had significantly deteriorated during previous President Abdulla Yameen’s administration, and President Solih has vowed that the friendship between the two countries will be renewed during his visit.
During the trip, President Solih is scheduled to meet Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
The two countries will also be closing several significant deals including a budget support agreement and a visa agreement to make it easier for Maldivians in India, especially students, their dependents, and those who travel frequently to India for medical purposes.
President Solih said that he will also be meeting with Indian businessmen to bring in investments to the Maldives.
He is being accompanied by Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer, Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail, Planning and Infrastructure Minister Mohamed Aslam, and Transport Minister Aishath Nahula.
