President leaves on private visit to Singapore

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has left today on a private visit to Singapore, his first overseas visit since taking office on 17 November.

Spokesperson at the President’s Office Ibrahim Muaz said that the trip will be short, but he did not mention the President's date of return. He said the President is accompanied by his family.

President Yameen is set to visit India on 22 December, his first official visit abroad since inauguration, a trip in reply to an invitation extended by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.