The Maldives rolled out the red carpet on Monday as it hosted an official welcoming ceremony for the Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan and First Lady Linda Ramkalawan. The event, held at the Republic Square in Male’, marked the commencement of the state visit of the Seychelles President and First Lady to the Maldives, highlighting the growing diplomatic ties between the two nations.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed received the Seychelles President and First Lady at the Presidential Jetty in Malé, emphasising the importance of the visit. The welcoming ceremony featured performances by Maldivian students. Following the ceremony, the guests were escorted to the saluting dais, where the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF) paid tribute with a 21-gun salute. Accompanying the grand gestures, the Maldivian military brass band played the national anthems of both the Maldives and Seychelles.
In a display of solidarity and respect, senior officials of the Maldivian government and representatives of the Seychellois government assembled together in the presence of a guard of honor. The formalities were followed by President Ramkalawan being led to the President’s Office in a cultural procession, adding a touch of local tradition to the proceedings. Upon reaching the President’s Office, President Ramkalawan took a moment to sign the Visitors’ Book, symbolising the official commencement of the visit.
The state visit of President Ramkalawan and First Lady Linda Ramkalawan to the Maldives signifies the shared commitment of both nations to enhance diplomatic relations, promote trade and tourism, and collaborate on matters of common interest.
