President Mohamed Nasheed and Madam Laila Ali have visited Windsor Castle and met with Queen Elizabeth II and the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. On arrival at the Windsor Castle, the President and the First Lady were met by the Master of Household. Soon after their arrival, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh met with President Nasheed and Madam Laila Ali. The First Couple had dinner with the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, and spent the night at the Windsor Castle.

Separately, the President also met with Prime Minister Gordon Brown, yesterday. Discussions were focused on ways of strengthening the close bilateral ties that exist between the Maldives and the UK.

On his visit to the UK, the President also met with the Secretary-General of Commonwealth, Mr Kamalesh Sharma. At the meeting, the President thanked the Commonwealth for their close relations, assistance and co-operation with the Maldives.

In other developments, the President also met with Lord Mark Malloch Brown, Minister for Africa, Asia and the United Nations at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. At the meeting, the President briefed Lord Malloch Brown on the developmental programmes initiated by the government.

Separately, President Nasheed yesterday met with Ms Philippa Broom, Director of the Conservative Party’s International Office. He also met with the CEO and Development Director of Cable and Wireless.

As part of his official visit to the UK, the President is scheduled to attend Maldives Investment Showcase Seminar at the Royal Automobile Club. Prince Andrew, Duke of York will accompany the President at the seminar. In addition, the President will also deliver a lecture at the Royal Commonwealth Society.