President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Monday recognised the importance of people-to-people connections with neighbours Sri Lanka and acknowledged the positive contributions made by the communities residing in each other’s countries.
In his statement to the press at the joint press conference with the visiting President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Disanayaka, President Dr Muizzu highlighted the rich and vibrant connection between our people as central to the close neighbourly relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
“During our meeting, we recognised the importance of these people-to-people connections and acknowledged the positive contributions made by our communities residing in each other’s countries,” he said.
“I expressed my sincere appreciation to the President for hosting a large number of Maldivians in Sri Lanka. We also agreed on the importance of delivering quality consular services to our citizens.”
In the statement, the President reflected on the two agreements signed between the two countries, saying that they underscored the shared commitment to further strengthening the close ties between the two countries.
He said the Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance will help address any procedural delays in legal matters while the MoU between the Foreign Service Institute of Maldives and the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute will pave the way for enhanced training opportunities and skills development of our diplomats.
“We also agreed on the importance of ensuring the effective implementation of MoUs concluded between our two countries,” he added.
President Dr Muizzu also highlighted that during the discussions with his Sri Lankan counterpart, they explored avenues to expand cooperation across a wide range of areas, including trade, defence, education and vocational training, youth and sports, environment, fisheries, and agriculture.
The President, during the discussions had commended President Disanyaka for the progress made in overcoming the recent economic challenges faced by Sri Lanka, expressing confidence that under his leadership, Sri Lanka will continue on a path towards a more resilient and inclusive economy.
This is President Disanayaka’s first state visit to the Maldives since assuming office in September 2024.
The Maldives established diplomatic relations with Sri Lanka on 26 July 1965, and this year commemorates the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.