Male, June 8 (TIWN) The Maldives government has announced that it will confer its highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries -- Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen -- on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his first bilateral visit on Saturday after being re-elected for a second term.

"President @ibusolih has announced his decision to confer on PM of India H.E. @narendramodi the Maldives highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries, 'The Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen' during PM's visit today," Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid tweeted on Friday.   PM Modi's visit to the island nation is significant as it's the only country in South Asia that he did not visit during his first term as the Prime Minister. 

He will also have a halt in Sri Lanka on his way back, underlining his government's continued commitment towards its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.  During his visit to the Maldives, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold talks with President Ibrahim Solih, Vice President Faisal Naseem and Speaker of the Majlis, Mohamed Nasheed.