Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has concluded an official visit to Sri Lanka.
During the visit, Foreign Minister Shahid paid courtesy calls on Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wikremesinghe, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Minister of Internal and Home Affairs Vajira Abeywardhane.
During the meetings, Minister Shahid conveyed condolences on behalf of the government and people of Maldives to the government and people of Sri Lanka, following the terror attacks and expressed sympathies to the families of the bereaved. He also exchanged views on countering terrorism in the region and reiterated strong commitment from Maldives in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
Additionally, the foreign minister highlighted the newly introduced changes to the resident visa regime by the Sri Lankan Government and underscored the need to resolve and ease visa procedures for the mutual benefit of the two countries. He also met with former Secretary to Defence Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and former Parliament Speaker Chamal Rajapakse.
During his visit, Foreign Minister Shahid was accompanied by Ambassador of Maldives in Sri Lanka Omar Abdul Razzak.