India’s External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj, arrived in the Maldives on Sunday afternoon.
The minister is on a two-day official visit to the archipelago nation, on the invitation of her Maldivian counterpart Abdulla Shahid who received her at Velana International Airport upon arrival.
The foreign ministry, via twitter, described her visit as the “strengthening of friendship between Maldives and India.”
Strengthening the bonds of friendship between Maldives and India!
Minister Shahid receives Minister Sushma Swaraj at Velana International Airport on her arrival to #Maldives. External Affairs Minister is on a two day official visit, on invitation of Foreign Minister Shahid. pic.twitter.com/EpRCGEbYBi
India expressed the same sentiment while announcing the minister’s trip to Maldives, saying that it “will further strengthen the close and friendly relations.”
During her visit, Swaraj is to have a bilateral meeting with the foreign minister, as well as delegation level meetings with other government officials. This includes, Defence Minister Mariya Didi, Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer, Planning Minister Mohamed Aslam, Health Minister Abdulla Ameen, Transport Minister Aishath Nahula, Heritage Minister Yumna Maumoon, Environment Minister Dr. Hussain Rasheed and Economic Development Minister Fayyaz Ismail.
"The ministers will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations and discuss future programme of action," said India's External Affairs Ministry via a press release on Saturday.
She is also expected to meet with Home Minister Imran Abdulla on Monday, separately.
In addition, Minister Swaraj will call on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Monday, while she is expected to meet with Parliament Speaker Qasim Ibrahim on Sunday.
Minister Swaraj is accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and other officials.
While bilateral relations between Maldives and India had soured during former President Abdulla Yameen's five-year tenure, things have vastly improved since the new administration took over.
While incumbent President Solih’s first state visit since assuming office was to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended his swearing in ceremony in November.
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