President Maithripala Sirisena is to undertake a state visit to Maldives on Sunday to participate in the special ceremony celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Independence of the Indian Ocean archipelago to be held in Male.

During his two-day official visit to the island nation, President Sirisena will also hold bilateral talks with his counterpart President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

The President will be accompanied by the Minister of Finance Ravi Karunanayake and senior officials of the government, the President’s Media Unit said.

The Government of Maldives has organised a welcoming ceremony for President Sirisena, who is visiting the neighboring country following an invitation extended by President Abdulla Yameen.

Meanwhile Sunday (July 26th) marks the 50th anniversary of Maldives’ freedom as well as diplomatic ties between the two nations. 

The President and his delegation is expected return to the island on Monday morning. 

Sirisena’s invitation came at a time when Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif canceled his official visit to the Maldives due to severe flooding in Pakistan’s Chitral district, displacing thousands of families.

Sharif had previously confirmed his arrival but had sent a letter canceling the visit to the Maldives president’s office last week.

President Abdulla Yameen had invited Sharif during his official trip to Pakistan in May.