President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has returned to the Maldives after concluding his official visit to Qatar and state-visit to Bangladesh.
President Solih visited Qatar to mark the re-establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations. He met with the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, for official talks at the Amiri Diwan, the Amir’s Administrative Office. The two leaders conversed on ways of strengthening the bilateral bond between the two countries.
President Solih and his delegation also attended an official lunch hosted in his honour by the Amir of Qatar. Meanwhile, First Lady Fazna Ahmed was honoured with a private lunch hosted by Sheikha Jawaher Bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, the Qatari Amir’s spouse. The President and the First Lady later toured the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, which houses one of the most comprehensive Islamic art collections in the world.
The President next visited Bangladesh on a two-day state visit, attending the official ceremony to commemorate the 'Birth Centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.’ He attended the ceremony held in the National Parade Grounds, Dhaka, as the guest of honour by invitation of the President of Bangladesh, Md. Abdul Hamid.
President Solih also visited the National Martyrs’ Memorial, a prominent national monument honouring all those who sacrificed their lives during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. He next visited the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, previously the home of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, now a monument celebrating his lifetime of accomplishments and struggles.
As part of his state visit, President Solih also participated in bilateral talks with the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, at the Prime Minister’s office. The two leaders engaged in productive discussions on further enhancing existing relations and extending cooperation across multiple sectors. Later, the President and Prime Minister presided over the signing of four agreements aimed at bolstering mutual cooperation to further enhance existing bilateral ties between the two nations.
Prior to their departure, the President and First Lady attended an official banquet hosted by the Bangladeshi President, as his honoured guests, at the Presidential Palace of Bangladesh. A cultural show was presented during the banquet and President Solih also signed the Visitor's Book at the Bangladeshi President's Palace.
After concluding the trip to Bangladesh, the President, First Lady and their delegation returned to the Maldives on March 19.