President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed were hosted at a state banquet on Sunday evening by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and First Lady Mrs Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam of Singapore, in honour of the Maldivian President’s first state visit to the country.

Held as part of the celebrations marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Singapore, the banquet was attended by senior officials and cabinet ministers from both countries. 

In his keynote remarks, President Dr. Muizzu expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Singaporean government and people for the warm reception extended to him and his delegation.

He noted that the partnership between the Maldives and Singapore predates formal diplomatic ties and is “rooted in the deep connections forged through trade, people-to-people contact, and mutual aspirations as young, independent nations.”

President Dr. Muizzu highlighted Singapore’s longstanding contributions to the Maldives, citing specific examples such as aid provided during the 2004 tsunami, the 2014 Malé water crisis, and the construction of Ghaazee School in Hulhumalé. 

He praised Singapore as a trusted development partner, acknowledging the role of Singapore’s institutions in shaping generations of Maldivians.

President Dr. Muizzu also expressed his enthusiasm for further expanding bilateral cooperation in his speech,  adding that he hopes to encourage greater partnerships with Singapore’s business community.

In his remarks, President Shanmugaratnam emphasised the value of learning from each other’s strengths and called for continued collaboration between the two small island nations, particularly in climate adaptation and advocacy on global platforms.

The evening also featured a ceremonial unveiling of commemorative stamp designs celebrating the golden jubilee of Maldives–Singapore diplomatic ties, underscoring the significance of the occasion.