An exquisite orchid hybrid has been officially named after His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed, reinforcing the spirit of “orchid diplomacy” during the Maldives’ ongoing state visit to Singapore.
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The ceremony, held at the National Orchid Garden within the Singapore Botanic Gardens, featured the unveiling of the newly christened orchid in the prestigious “VIP Orchids” collection. During their visit, the presidential couple signed the garden’s distinguished visitors’ book and received a detailed briefing on both its historical significance and hybridisation practices.
Orchid diplomacy has been a symbolic Singaporean tradition since 1956, when VIP hybrids—honouring global leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth II and Kamala Harris—first debuted . The intent is to celebrate bilateral ties: each orchid reflects resilience, multicultural harmony and commitment—values shared between nations.
Located atop the highest hill in the Botanic Gardens, this three‑hectare sanctuary hosts over 1,000 orchid species and 2,000 hybrids, including more than 200 VIP-named varieties . The VIP Orchid Garden offers a specially curated display of these floral tributes.
The naming occurred during President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha’s state visit, which commenced on June 29 and runs through July 2, 2025, at the invitation of Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. As part of the delegation, Finance Minister Moosa Zameer is engaging in high-level discussions to strengthen Maldives–Singapore cooperation.
Presenting an orchid hybrid symbolises enduring goodwill and mutual respect. For Singapore, the act underscores the nation’s diplomatic ethos; for the Maldives, it reinforces a growing partnership rooted in tourism, development and regional collaboration.
As guests stroll through the VIP Orchid Garden, they now encounter a living testament to Maldives–Singapore friendship: the “President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed” orchid—an enduring bloom marking a blossoming relationship between the two nations.
