| DATE: 2007-10-27 |
MALE, October 27, 2007 (Haveeru News Service) -- Ghaazee School gifted by the government and the people of Singapore to the Maldivian people, was inaugurated on Thursday by President Gayoom and President Nathan. The ceremony commenced with the unveiling of the school plaque, followed by the hoisting of the Maldivian flag, the Singaporean flag and the School flag while the Maldives National Defense Force played the national anthems of both countries.
The Singaporean President was received by President Gayoom upon arrival. President Gayoom was accompanied by the Minister of Education Zahiya Zareer and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid. High level officials as well as the heads of the construction project were present.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of the mementoes to both Presidents by the Minister of Education, Zahiya Zareer. Zahiya received a memento presented to her by Nathan.
In her speech, Zahiya stated that Ghazee School is a tangible symbol of the strong and long lasting friendship and co-operation between the peoples and the governments of Singapore and Maldives. On behalf of the Education Ministry and the educators of Maldives, she thanked Nathan for attending the inaugural ceremony. Emphasizing particularly on the personal commitment that Nathan put into the project, Zahiya stated that the gift of Ghaazee School is not just a distant donation on the part of the Singaporean President, but it was a project that he kept close to his heart.
Praising the island state of Singapore for breaking through the limitations of size and resources she said that the economic and diplomatic vitality of Singapore has lead to its strong contributions to the international community. Extending her gratitude to President Gayoom, she praised him for his steadfast educational policies and his personal commitment to developing education in Maldives.
The ceremony ended with a special song presented by a choir of Primary School children. The teachers who were trained in Singapore were also introduced to Nathan and Gayoom. The two Presidents also toured the school. This is the first time a foreign President officially inaugurated a school in Maldives.
Both Presidents then visited the Hulhumale Development Corporation Limited. They were welcomed on arrival by the Chairman of the Directors Board of HDC, Ibrahim Mohamed and the Managing Director of the Corporation, Mahjoob Shujau. The Singaporean President and accompanying delegation including the Singaporean business community were given a video presentation about the Hulhumale development project. The two Presidents also viewed the model of Hulhumale Master Plan and they were briefed by Mahjoob Shujau. Nathan was also presented with an information package on Hulhumale development project.
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