President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has reiterated Maldives and Sri Lanka enjoy a traditionally close and significant relationship, with values, history and culture intertwined. The president delivered the remarks at a Joint Press Statement at the President's Office, as part of the ongoing official visit of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to Maldives.
In his statement, President Solih added interactions between the two countries go beyond even recorded history. Further, the president expressed gratitude for numerous assistance from Sri Lanka to the Maldives over the years. He highlighted expert aid from Sri Lanka in capacity building and human resource development, especially in areas of health, education, defence, youth development and sports, which has proven a boon to the socio-economic development of Maldives.
Both President Solih and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe expressed satisfaction at the substance and pace of cooperation on the international fora, bilaterally and multilaterally, since the president's visit to Sri Lanka in February. The president noted significant progress is being achieved and discussed ways to continue to expand and develop the bilateral relationships between the two countries and to cooperate even closer on consulate matters.
President Solih noted the agreement exchanged by both countries are precisely to contribute to the objective and the visa facilitation agreement will ease the issue of parental, guardian and student visa for Maldivians studying in Sri Lanka and help enrich the cultures and economies collectively. The president continued to note important contributions by the Sri Lankan Government in aiding Maldives, citing the health sector in particular. The president expressed appreciation for the kind hospitality and excellent services provided to Maldivians seeking healthcare in Sri Lanka. In particular, he noted the decision of the Sri Lankan Government to allow Maldivians to seek organ transplant services in Sri Lanka.
The two leaders reviewed ongoing cooperation in important sectors as health, education, regional governance and the peace and security of the Indian Ocean. The president and the prime minister also reiterated that climate change is an urgent threat that needs immediate attention in both mitigation and adaption and agreed on the need to work with all countries to combat terrorism and counter violent extremism within the region and beyond.
Both leaders expressed their readiness to progress constructive engagement in all spheres.