Maldives new President Solih arrives India on first overseas visit since taking charge

New Delhi, Dec 16 (UNI) New President of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih arrive here on Sunday on a three-day crucial visit to India.
"Fortifying close bonds of cooperation and friendship. President of Maldives received by MoS Hardeep Singh Puri on arrival in Delhi," MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar tweeted.
This is President Solih's first foreign visit after assuming office and also within a month of visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Maldives.
Mr Modi had visited Male during the swearing in ceremony of new dispensation headed by Mr Solih after a keenly watched election.
During his stay, the visiting dignitary will hold vital talks on strategic importance with Prime Minister Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind and also External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, official sources said here.
Giving a hint on Maldives new dispensation's clear preference to India in its diplomatic and bilateral ties, the new Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid visited India in November within a week of swearing in of the new regime in that country.
The new Maldives President Mr Solih will be given a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Monday.
Mr Solih will visit Rajghat and lay wreath at the Samadhi of Mahatama Gandhi.