President Mohamed Nasheed has arrived in the Australian capital Canberra where he was greeted by a ceremonial welcome with full military guard of honour.
The President was met at the airport by Australia’s Governor General Quentin Bryce and MP Anthony Byrne, representing the Prime Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd.
In his first state visit to Australia President Nasheed will meet with Rudd and other key Australian officials, and discuss ways of furthering the development of bilateral relations, as well as other international issues of common concern.
The President visiting at invitation of the Australian government, which is paying all expense apart from airfares.