The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maldives, Mr. Moosa Zameer, was on an official visit to Sri Lanka from 3 June 2024. During his visit, Mr. Moosa met with several dignitaries and successfully discussed the bilateral relations between the two countries.
In a press statement, Mr. Moosa thanked the Sri Lankan government for its hospitality. It congratulated the people of Sri Lanka for the swift economic development of the nation under the able leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Mr. Moosa also thanked the Sri Lankan government for its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the Maldives, especially in education, commerce, health, youth, and sports. He also acknowledged the Sri Lankan expatriate community’s contribution to Maldives’ economy and culture. He further expressed gratitude to the Sri Lankan government for re-affirming the terms of their bilateral agreement for a short-term visit visa of up to 90 days.
Mr. Moosa met with Mr. M U M Ali Sabry, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sri Lanka, and discussed the historic relations between both nations. The former noted, “We discussed further enhancing our historic and excellent bilateral relationship on areas of mutual interest, including economic cooperation, health, education, fisheries, youth and sports, social protection, for the benefit of our two peoples.” Mr. Sabry, on his part, re-affirmed the deep friendship between the two nations and said, “Sri Lanka and the Maldives share a strong bond built on longstanding trust and friendship, and I am confident that this relationship will be further strengthened in the years to come.”
Mr. Moosa called on Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and promised to work towards a deeper relationship between the two nations based on mutually beneficial collaborations. He said, “I expressed our appreciation for the continuous support and cooperation extended by Sri Lanka for the socio-economic development of #Maldives.” Mr. Moosa also met Mr. Namal Rajapaksa, a Member of the Parliament. Referring to him as a “long time friend of Maldives”, both dignitaries reflected on the time-tested but historic relationship between Maldives and Sri Lanka. Mr. Moosa also called on the Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Mr. Dinesh Gunawardena, and “discussed our longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation and ways to further enhance our ties and people to people contact.” He further thanked the Prime Minister for Sri Lanka’s contribution to the socio-economic development of Maldives.
Mr. Moosa visited the High Commission of Maldives in Sri Lanka and interacted with staff. He “emphasised the importance of providing quality consular services to the Maldivian Community residing in Sri Lanka.” He also visited the Maldivian Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka and discussed the various ways to enhance its services. Furthermore, he oversaw Mr. Masood Imad, High Commissioner, presenting his Letter of Credence to President Ranil Wickremesinghe. He also participated in a meeting of the Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Council. He noted, “We exchanged views on increasing trade and economic ties and enhancing mutually beneficial partnerships between business communities of #Maldives and #Sri Lanka.”
Mr. Moosa expressed in the press statement that the Maldives’ President, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, has agreed to submit the draft “Treaty Between the Government of the Maldives and the Government of Sri Lanka on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters” to the Maldives parliament for approval. It would further solidify the two nations’ existing defence and security cooperation. Mr. Moosa also re-iterated Maldive’s eagerness to offer a transfer of knowledge to Sri Lankan fishermen about sustainable pole and line fishing. He invited Foreign Minister Sabry to the Maldives at a convenient time to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation.
