<p>After his speech that lasted about 20 minutes, Singh was given a standing ovation by members of the 75-strong House.<br /><br />Majlis Speaker Abdullah Shahid welcomed the Prime Minister with generous words, saying he was a leader and statesman from a great parliamentary democracy.<br /><br />He also said India had come to Maldives' help whenever it was in difficulties.<br /><br />Men MPs were generally wearing lounge suit while a sprinkling of women MPs were in their traditional full-length gown with a scarf tied to their plait. Each MP had a computer in front of his seat.<br /><br />On his first visit to Maldives as the Prime Minister, Singh said it was an "unforgettable journey" to the country for him which he will cherish.<br /><br />"I am overwhelmed by the breathtaking beauty and serenity" of this country, he said.<br /><br />The Majlis Speaker said that his country has lot to learn from India, a leading economic giant and the largest democracy in the world.<br /><br />Singh acknowledged that it was a unique honour for him to address the Majlis. "I am truly honoured by this gesture accorded to me and my country," he said.<br /><br />The Prime Minister also conveyed belated greetings to the people of Maldives on their Republic Day, which was celebrated yesterday.<br /><br />Singh's wife Gursharan Kaur and Maldivian President Mohammed Nasheed's wife Laila Ali Abdullah were present at the Majlis during the address.</p>
<p>After his speech that lasted about 20 minutes, Singh was given a standing ovation by members of the 75-strong House.<br /><br />Majlis Speaker Abdullah Shahid welcomed the Prime Minister with generous words, saying he was a leader and statesman from a great parliamentary democracy.<br /><br />He also said India had come to Maldives' help whenever it was in difficulties.<br /><br />Men MPs were generally wearing lounge suit while a sprinkling of women MPs were in their traditional full-length gown with a scarf tied to their plait. Each MP had a computer in front of his seat.<br /><br />On his first visit to Maldives as the Prime Minister, Singh said it was an "unforgettable journey" to the country for him which he will cherish.<br /><br />"I am overwhelmed by the breathtaking beauty and serenity" of this country, he said.<br /><br />The Majlis Speaker said that his country has lot to learn from India, a leading economic giant and the largest democracy in the world.<br /><br />Singh acknowledged that it was a unique honour for him to address the Majlis. "I am truly honoured by this gesture accorded to me and my country," he said.<br /><br />The Prime Minister also conveyed belated greetings to the people of Maldives on their Republic Day, which was celebrated yesterday.<br /><br />Singh's wife Gursharan Kaur and Maldivian President Mohammed Nasheed's wife Laila Ali Abdullah were present at the Majlis during the address.</p>