MALE — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was accorded a full ceremonial welcome here today, marking the start of his official programme during his two-day visit to the Maldives.

Anwar arrived at the Presidential Jetty, the Izzudheen Jetty, here at 9.29 am local time (12.29 pm Malaysia time), where he was received by Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and treated to a cultural performance by local schoolchildren.

The Prime Minister, who is also Finance Minister, was accompanied by Maldives Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, who is the minister-in-attendance for the visit.

Also present at the welcoming ceremony were Malaysian Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan and Malaysian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Badli Hisham Adam.

Anwar was then escorted to the saluting dais, where he received a salute from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), followed by a 21-gun salute.

Malaysia’s national anthem, Negaraku, was then played, followed by the Maldives’ national anthem, before Anwar inspected the guard of honour mounted by MNDF personnel.