The Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India, H.E. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on Wednesday, paid a courtesy call on H.E. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The meeting was held at the VVIP lounge at the Hanimaadhooo International Airport.

Speaking with Dr Jaishankar, President Solih expressed his appreciation to the minister for attending the groundbreaking ceremony of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport expansion project. He added that the project would transform the economic landscape of the country and the northern region into an economic hub.

The President also expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister of India, H.E. Narendra Modi, the government of India and its friendly people for the continued assistance to the Maldives.

President Solih and Dr Jaishankar discussed strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. They emphasised their commitment to enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as tourism cooperation, business-to-business cooperation focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises and other areas of bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation. The President also noted the financial and budgetary support provided to the Maldives by the government of India.

The President highlighted that the Maldives-India friendship is rooted in cultural and historical links and shared values. He added that the Maldives had gained immense benefits under India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” and assured Maldives’ continued commitment to upholding its India First Policy.

In conclusion, President Solih and Dr Jaishankar reaffirmed their continued commitment to strengthening Maldives-India cooperation in the coming years. The Maldives and India established diplomatic relations on November 1, 1965.

Source(s): President Office

For the first time in more than two years, an ocean liner has been berthed in Australia’s Sydney Harbour as the multi-billion-dollar cruise industry resumes business in Australia’s state of New South Wales (NSW).

Cruise liner Pacific Explorer docks at Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, Australia, on April 18, 2022. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)

Cruise liner Pacific Explorer docks at Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, Australia, on April 18, 2022. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)

Cruise liner Pacific Explorer docks at Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, Australia, on April 18, 2022. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)

Cruise liner Pacific Explorer docks at Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, Australia, on April 18, 2022. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)

Cruise liner Pacific Explorer docks at Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, Australia, on April 18, 2022. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei) ■

Wedding Week 2022 was held at a hotel in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo over the last weekend, which included bridal shows and related wedding events.

Renowned designers from India, the Maldives and Sri Lanka togethr showcased their collections at the exclusive wedding expo.

According to local media reports, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) recently said plans were underway to promote Sri Lanka as a safe wedding destination amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

A model presents a creation on Wedding Week 2022 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Feb. 19, 2022. (Xinhua/Tang Lu)

A model presents a creation on Wedding Week 2022 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Feb. 19, 2022. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)

Models present creations on the Wedding Week 2022 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Feb. 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Tang Lu)

Models present creations on Wedding Week 2022 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Feb. 19, 2022. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)

A model presents a creation on the Wedding Week 2022 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Feb. 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Tang Lu)

A model presents a creation on Wedding Week 2022 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Feb. 19, 2022. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)

Models present creations on Wedding Week 2022 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Feb. 19, 2022. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)

A model presents a creation on Wedding Week 2022 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Feb. 19, 2022. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)

Models present creations on Wedding Week 2022 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Feb. 19, 2022. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)

A model presents a creation on the Wedding Week 2022 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Feb. 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Tang Lu)

A model presents a creation on the Wedding Week 2022 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Feb. 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Tang Lu)

A model presents a creation on Wedding Week 2022 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Feb. 19, 2022. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)

Source: Xinhua News