PM Modi to reinforce \'neighbourhood first\' policy with visits to Maldives and Sri Lanka

PM Modi to reinforce 'neighbourhood first' policy with visits to Maldives and Sri Lanka

ANI  |  General News 

will embark on a two-day visit to the It will be his first diplomatic overseas visit after coming to power for the second term.

According to a release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, is expected to arrive in Male at 3:05 pm (local time).

Modi will be given a ceremonial welcome at here. He will then commence his historic bilateral visit by holding delegation-level talks with at 4 p.m. (local time).

During the Prime Minister's visit, and are further expected to exchange several agreements related to customs cooperation, capacity building, defence and connectivity issues.

They will also jointly inaugurate a couple of projects, including the crucial coastal surveillance radar system, which is a key step towards enhancing maritime security in the region.

will also meet Faisal Naseem, the Vice of the Maldives, at 6 p.m. (local time), followed talks with former and Speaker of the Majlis, Mohamed Nasheed, at 6:30 p.m (local time).

is further scheduled to address the at 6:45 p.m. (local time).

Last Month, the unanimously passed a resolution for inviting Modi to address the House during his visit.

The visit is in tune with the 'first policy' of Male and 'Neighbourhood First' policy of The streets in Male have lined up flags of and Maldives, to welcome PM Modi and his delegation.

Modi had earlier visited the island nation in November last year to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Solih, who assumed office after defeating in the presidential polls.

Modi will also be visiting on June 9 at the invitation of President Maithripala Sirisena, the first visit of a foreign leader following the deadly terror attacks that killed more than 250 people on April 21.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Sat, June 08 2019. 11:22 IST