MALE — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrived in the Maldives tonight to begin a two-day official visit aimed at further strengthening Malaysia-Maldives bilateral ties, which dates back to 1968.

The special aircraft carrying Anwar landed at Velana International Airport here at 8.12 pm local time (11.12 pm Malaysian time) with Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu personally welcoming the Prime Minister.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, was accompanied by Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan and a Malaysian delegation.

Also present to welcome the Prime Minister were the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Badli Hisham Adam, Maldivian Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, who was the minister-in-attendance, as well as senior officials from both countries.

The warm welcome reflected the close and cordial ties between the two leaders and their countries.

Upon arrival, Anwar received a guard of honour and, before proceeding to the Official Jetty, was treated to a cultural performance by school students to mark his arrival in the island republic.

Muizzu then accompanied Anwar to the Official Jetty to complete the welcome ceremony at the start of his maiden official visit to the Maldives.

Tomorrow, Anwar’s programme is scheduled to begin with an official welcome ceremony at Republic Square in Malé, followed by a four-eye meeting with Muizzu and bilateral talks involving delegations from both countries.

The two leaders are also scheduled to witness the exchange of memorandum of understanding (MoUs) in areas of defence and Islamic affairs.