Updated June 9th, 2019 at 10:08 IST

"Humbled by the affection...": Here's PM Modi's 'Thank You' message for people of Maldives as he concludes his visit to the Island nation

As Prime Minister Modi is on his way to visit island country of Sri Lanka, he thanked the citizens of Maldives for their hospitality and for being great hosts. He also added that this will add to the advancement of bilateral ties with vigour. 

Reported by: Navashree Nandini
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As Prime Minister Modi is on his way to visit island country of Sri Lanka, he thanked the citizens of Maldives for their hospitality and Maldivian government for being great hosts. He also added such warm experience will add to the advancement of bilateral ties between two nations with vigour.

Here's Prime Minister Modi's tweet:

President Solih on PM Modi's visit said that it is a happy day and also said it is a great honour to welcome the PM. This is the first overseas visit of PM Modi after assuming office for the second term. Here's his tweet:

PM Modi will visit Sri Lanka on June 9. The Ministry of External Affairs official twitter handle called it a humble goodbye to the Maldives.

Addressing the Maldivian Parliament, the PM delivered a strong message against terrorism in his speech. Terming it one of the important challenges facing India and Maldives, PM Modi called terrorism a threat to the human race, while pointing out how it continues to grow with state-support in many cases. The Prime Minister also appealed for a global conference over the issue so that loopholes used by the terrorists can be blocked.

PM Modi said, “Terrorism is a massive challenge of our generation. The danger is not just for one region or country, it is a threat to the entire human race. There’s not even one day where terrorism doesn’t show its dangerous side and takes the lives of innocents. 

READ: Cricket diplomacy, inauguration of defence projects among key agendas of PM Narendra Modi's maiden Maldives visit in second term. Read here

PM Modi was also conferred Maldives' highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries, 'The Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen' on Saturday. The prestigious award was presented to the Prime Minister by Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih during a ceremony in Male.

On his visit, PM Modi gifted a Cricket bat signed by the 15-members 2019 World Cup squad of Team India to Maldives President Ibrahim Mohammad Solih. Taking to Twitter, PM Modi shared glimpses of the occasion as he bestowed the bat to the Maldivian President, revealing that his 'friend' Ibrahim Solih is an ardent Cricket fan.

"Connected by cricket", PM Modi said that he presented the bat signed by Team India playing at the Cricket World Cup 2019.

PM Modi had expressed the significance of his visit to the neighbouring nation prior to his departure and stated that both the countries shared a deep bond of history and culture and hoped to strengthen the ties and make it more cordial between the two countries during his visit. He also emphasised on cricket diplomacy with the Maldives in order to consolidate people-to-people relations and to develop the sport in the country. The two-day state visit of the Prime Minister is aimed at further cementing ties with the Indian Ocean archipelago.

JUST WATCH THIS: PM Modi gifts Cricket Bat signed by full World Cup 2019 Team India squad to Maldives President Solih. Pictures here

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Published June 9th, 2019 at 09:21 IST