President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed were honoured at a state banquet hosted by Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and First Lady Mrs Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam on June 30, 2025, as part of the Maldivian President’s ongoing state visit to Singapore.
The banquet marked a ceremonial high point in the visit, which commemorates the golden jubilee of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Singapore. The two nations established formal diplomatic ties in 1975, but President Muizzu, in his remarks, reflected on a relationship that stretches back further—shaped by centuries of trade, cultural connection, and mutual understanding as fellow island nations.
“Our partnership predates protocol,” President Muizzu said. “It is a relationship founded on shared values and strengthened through cooperation in education, disaster response, and sustainable development.” He lauded Singapore’s ongoing support to the Maldives, particularly in technical training, infrastructure, and governance capacity-building.
Looking ahead, President Muizzu expressed confidence in expanding bilateral cooperation, especially in renewable energy, climate resilience, and urban development—areas aligned with the Maldives’ long-term development goals.
President Shanmugaratnam echoed the sentiment, calling for deeper collaboration that leverages both countries’ strengths. “Singapore’s position in global trade and finance complements the Maldives’ leadership in sustainable tourism,” he noted. He also underscored the urgency of joint advocacy on climate change, describing it as a “shared existential challenge” for small island nations.
The evening featured cultural performances and interactions between senior officials and cabinet ministers from both nations, symbolising the strong and evolving ties between Malé and Singapore.
Earlier in the day, the two leaders jointly unveiled a set of commemorative stamps issued to celebrate the 50-year milestone in bilateral relations—a gesture reinforcing the friendship between the nations and their shared vision for the future.
