Union Minister Kiren Rijiju reaches Maldives

Union Minister for Earth Sciences, Kiren Rijiju has reached Maldives to represent India at the oath taking ceremony of Dr. Mohamed Muizzu as the new President on Friday evening, November 17, 2023. Rijiju met outgoing President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and highlighted the depth and progress of the India-Maldives bilateral relationship that has grown over the last few years. The Parliament secretariat of Maldives has confirmed that dignitaries from 46 countries would participate in the inauguration ceremony. Dr.  Muizzu defeated incumbent President Solih in the recent runoff elections held in September.The PPM PNC coalition had nominated Dr. Muizzu after former president Abdulla Yameen had been barred by the Supreme Court of Maldives from contesting the elections. Abdulla Yameen, who is serving an 11 year sentence on charges of corruption had strengthened ties with China during his presidency between 2013 to 2018. The former president is currently under house arrest.