President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has extended congratulations to Mahinda Rajapaksa on his appointment as the new Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.
In a message of congratulations to Mahinda Rajapaksa following his assumption of office, President Solih wished him success in his new role as the prime minister.
Furthermore, in his message, President Solih noted Sri Lanka has not just been a neighbour but one of the oldest and the most trusted partners of Maldives. He highlighted the two countries continue to share cordial relations, and expressed confidence the existing ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries will bring forth greater opportunities for collaboration under new leadership.
On conclusion, the president said he looks forward to working closely with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa for the advancement of the bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.
The appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa, 74, came hours after the former premier Ranil Wickremesinghe tendered his resignation following the defeat of his party's candidate in a presidential election to Gotabaya Rajapaksa over the weekend. It is the first time in Sri Lankan history two siblings have held the two top political positions, although Mahinda is only in charge of a caretaker government until parliamentary elections next year.