Your Excellency Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore,
First Lady Mrs Tharman,
Honourable Ministers,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good evening and
It is my profound honour to be here this evening, and I thank you, Mr. President, for the warm and gracious sentiments you have expressed about my beloved country, the Maldives.
May I extend my sincere gratitude to Your Excellency, the Government, and the people of Singapore for the generous hospitality extended to me, my wife, and the members of my delegation since our arrival. This is my first state visit to Singapore, and it is truly a pleasure to be in your beautiful country at such a historic moment.
This visit marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Singapore. Yet, our partnership predates diplomatic formalities — it is rooted in the deep connections forged through trade, people-to-people contact, and mutual aspirations as young, independent nations.
Long before we exchanged formal notes of recognition, Singapore was already a vibrant consumer hub for Maldivian traders. Our people looked to Singapore not just for goods, but for inspiration — for a model of what vision, discipline, and innovation can achieve. Over time, this bond matured into a trusted partnership that has played a critical role in shaping the Maldives’ development trajectory.
Singapore’s contributions to the Maldives have been profound. Just to name a few;
• Your assistance following the water crisis in Malé
• Your assistance following the tsunami disaster
• Construction of Ghaazee School in Hulhumalé
Just as importantly, generations of Maldivians have benefited from access to your world-class hospitals, universities, and training institutes. Thousands have returned home inspired and better equipped to contribute to nation-building — thanks to the opportunities they found here.
Excellency,
We are grateful for Singapore’s continued support in our human resource development journey and our cooperation across diverse sectors — from education and public administration to climate resilience and environmental stewardship.
During this visit, I am pleased that we have agreed to deepen our collaboration in higher education, capacity-building, environmental cooperation, and technical cooperation.
I also look forward to engaging with the business community here in Singapore to encourage more partnerships and joint ventures — especially in areas of mutual priority.
Our two nations, though small in size, have never been limited by geography or resources. We have stood side by side through changing global tides — united by our shared values, mutual respect, and commitment to peace, progress, and prosperity.
As we celebrate this golden jubilee, I am confident that our shared journey is far from over. The future holds vast potential for deeper engagement.
Tonight, we honour not only our governments, but our people — and the enduring friendship built on trust and a shared pursuit of excellence.
Let us continue to build on this remarkable partnership for the benefit of our future generations.
I wish Your Excellency continued good health and wellbeing, and the people of Singapore lasting peace, prosperity, and success.
Long live the Maldives–Singapore partnership.
Thank you.