Envoys of friendly nations arrive for swearing-in ceremony

Nov 17, 2023, 7:22 AM
Chinese President's Special Envoy Shen Yiqin at the airport. -- Photo: X

Chinese President's Special Envoy Shen Yiqin at the airport. -- Photo: X

Envoys of friendly nations have arrived in the Maldives to attend President-Elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's swearing-in ceremony.

Envoys from India and China along with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe arrived on Thursday with the latter greeted by Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid.

Minister of Earth Science Kiran Rijiju arrived as the representative of neighbouring India.

Seychelles sent Vice President Ahmed Afeef and the representative of China - which enjoyed close ties with the Maldives during the first Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) government - was State Councilor Shen Yiqin as a Special Envoy of President Xi Jinping.

Preparations underway at the Republic Square.
Preparations underway at the Republic Square.

Preparations underway at the Republic Square.

The swearing-in ceremony is due to begin at 4 pm on Friday at the Republic Square in Male'.

Arrangements have been made for the foreign dignitaries to be able to listen to oral translations in English, Arabic and Mandarin during the ceremony.

Translations of the oath of office and the new President's speech will be made available through headsets, an official from the incoming government told Adhadhu.

A live feed of the event will also be streamed in Dhivehi and English.

Comments

Read More

Latest News

Abdulla Shahid arrested over alleged sexual assault

Former Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid was arrested following allegations of sexually assaulting an 18-year-old. Police took Shahid into custody after searching his residence in Hulhumale'. Shahid has denied the claims, calling them a baseless attempt at political character assassination.

MDP submits resolution for referendum over Rasmale' deal

The MDP has submitted a resolution to the Maldivian Parliament seeking a public referendum on the Rasmalé project. The vote would decide whether to grant land to a UAE-based firm for a development allowing foreign residency. The party argues that the long-term implications for national interests require direct public consultation.

Court orders Adhadhu to surrender passwords for seized devices

The Criminal Court has ordered Adhadhu newsroom to provide passwords for four seized MacBooks following a police raid over the "Aisha" documentary. Data extraction must occur before a media commission representative to protect legal privilege. The court emphasized that any evidence gathered must remain confidential and specific to the case.

Rasmale' deal could end Maldivian identity: Jameel

Former VP Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed warns that leasing Rasmalé land to a UAE firm for 99 years threatens the Maldives' identity. He claims international law will force the nation to allow religious freedom and temples for foreign residents, effectively ending the country's status as a sovereign entity defined by a single religion.

Former Chairman of Dhiraagu passes away

Rilwan Shareef, the former Chairman of Dhiraagu and a veteran state official, has passed away while receiving treatment at IGMH. Throughout his distinguished career, he served as a State Minister and held leadership roles at Villa Air and the Maldives Stock Exchange. Details regarding the cause of his death have not been disclosed.

Government workforce increased by 6500 in three years

The government workforce grew by 6,530 employees over the last three years, reaching a total of 55,466. This rapid recruitment has driven the national wage bill to a projected MVR 14.4 billion for next year. The current administration's hiring rate significantly outpaces the previous three-year period.

Rasmale' is an economic concept, says Salaf President

Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohamed Ibrahim, President of Jamiyyathul Salaf, clarified that the Rasmalé project is an economic concept rather than a plan to settle non-Muslims. He dismissed claims of religious concerns as political distortion, emphasizing that the area is intended for high-income residents with legal safeguards in place.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox