President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed were accorded a ceremonial welcome in Singapore, marking the start of a landmark state visit celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Singapore.

The official welcome was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where President Dr. Muizzu was received by His Excellency Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore, and First Lady Mrs Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam. 

The ceremony included an inspection of the Guard of Honour and the introduction of senior officials from both nations.

Later in the day, President Dr. Muizzu paid a courtesy call on President Shanmugaratnam. 

During their discussions, both leaders expressed mutual appreciation for the close relationship between the two countries, reaffirming their commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. 

President Shanmugaratnam praised the significance of the visit coinciding with the golden jubilee of diplomatic relations, formally established on February 20, 1975.

The two leaders reflected on the enduring people-to-people ties and explored potential areas for collaboration, particularly in education, sustainable energy, and infrastructure development. 

The conversation also included enhancing Maldives’ fisheries sector and economic diversification beyond the tourism industry.

In a symbolic gesture, President Dr. Muizzu presented President Shanmugaratnam with a commemorative book documenting five decades of Maldives–Singapore relations.

President Dr. Muizzu also met with Singapore’s Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Lawrence Wong. 

Both leaders highlighted the vital contributions of Singaporean businesses to the Maldives’ tourism development and reiterated their shared interest in expanding fisheries exports to new markets.

They also discussed cooperation in renewable energy, in line with the Maldives’ target of generating 33 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2028, as well as initiatives in basic and higher education, technical expertise exchange in urban planning, and mutual support in addressing climate change, a pressing concern for small island nations.

President Dr. Muizzu’s state visit to Singapore, which runs from June 29 to July 2, reinforces the Maldives’ long-standing diplomatic and economic ties with Singapore and signals renewed momentum for deeper cooperation in the years ahead.