The High Commission of Maldives in Singapore hosted a virtual reception on the occasion of the 56th Independence Day of Maldives, this evening.
Graced by the Guest of Honour Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Sustainability and Environment of Singapore Mr. Desmond Tan, the reception was attended by the Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps in Singapore, resident Maldivian community, and friends of Maldives through various sectors, and development partners of Maldives from Singapore.
In his introductory remarks, High Commissioner His Excellency Mr. Ibrahim Shaheeb highlighted the close relationship between the Maldives and Singapore – both bilaterally and multilaterally. He further noted on the common issues of mutual interest between both countries such as climate change, sustainable development, and democracy. Further, stating that following the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Maldives is now focusing on aid, trade, tourism and investment. He also congratulated the President of Singapore Madam Halimah Yacob, the Government and the friendly people of Singapore on their 56th National Day coming up next month.
Guest of Honour and State Minister Mr. Desmond Tan congratulated the Maldives on the 56th Independence Day. He reiterated that the Maldives have done well with the Covid-19 recovery efforts as being one of the first countries to open its boarders. He also noted on the close and growing relations between the Maldives and Singapore on both bilateral and multilateral issues.
Following the remarks from High Commissioner Shaheeb and State Minister Tan, there was a Maldivian cultural event showcasing the lives and livelihoods of the people of Maldives, before proceeding on to messages and greetings from the members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corp in Singapore.
Maldivian entrepreneurs in Singapore, as well as representatives from the Singapore business community operating in the Maldives then shared their experiences. Furthermore, there were remarks from friends and development partners of Maldives such as the Temasek Foundation who had donated medical supplies and equipment towards the Covid-19 relief efforts. There was also a speaker representing the resident Maldivian community, who spoke of her experience of living in Singapore, and the importance of having the community spirit alive, while being away from home.
The reception saw an exciting lucky draw sponsored by the Banyan Tree Group and Pontiac Group with a generous 3 night full-board stay at an Oceanview Pool Villa at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Maldives; and a 1 night staycation at Capella Singapore’s Sentosa Suite for two including breakfast, respectively.
In her concluding remarks, Deputy High Commissioner Ms. Eman Hussain thanked the distinguished guests for joining the reception today. Moreover, she further elaborated on the High Commissioner’s proposal on establishing a culinary program, to serve both as an introduction of Maldivian cuisine to Singapore; and to enhance people-to-people connections. In that, she said that the High Commission will be collaborating with, and including the resident Maldivian Community in this gastronomic adventure.
