The Maldives Foreign Minister, Moosa Zameer, recently visited Sri Lanka, where he engaged in high-level talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart, Minister Ali Sabry. The discussions focused on strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between the two nations, addressing a wide range of issues from economic cooperation to regional security.
During his visit, Zameer expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by the Sri Lankan government. He praised Sri Lanka’s resilience and progress in overcoming economic challenges under President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s leadership.
Highlighting the deep-rooted friendship between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, Zameer emphasised that their relationship is built on mutual trust and respect. He noted that the exchange of high-level visits has fostered closer dialogue and cooperation, benefiting both nations.
Zameer also acknowledged the various forms of assistance provided by Sri Lanka that have significantly contributed to the Maldives’ development, including in the fields of health, education, commerce, and youth and sports. He recognised the substantial contributions of the Sri Lankan expatriate community to the Maldivian economy and society.
Thanking Minister Sabry and the Sri Lankan government for their hospitality towards Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka, Zameer appreciated the reaffirmation of the bilateral agreement on short-term visit visas, allowing nationals of both countries to stay for up to 90 days, and the concessional terms for resident student visas.
The foreign ministers’ discussions covered a broad spectrum of issues, including economic and trade cooperation, education, fisheries, health, tourism, youth and sports, skills development, social protection, employment, consular and community issues, legal and law enforcement, culture, and regional and multilateral cooperation.
Both ministers emphasised the importance of promoting trade and investment between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, expressing hope to finalise agreements on the avoidance of double taxation and the promotion and protection of investments soon. These agreements are expected to facilitate trade and ease business operations in both countries.
Zameer announced that the Maldivian government plans to submit the “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, aiming to provide a framework for mutual support in combating criminal offences.
The ministers also discussed the necessity of working closely to combat illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing, given the reliance of both countries on fishing. The Maldives offered to share knowledge on sustainable pole and line fishing with Sri Lankan fishermen.
On security and defence cooperation, both countries agreed to enhance training opportunities for their officers. Zameer and Minister Sabry reiterated their commitment to working together on combating terrorism, violent extremism, drugs, and human trafficking, as well as promoting and protecting human rights.
The ministers affirmed their dedication to sustainable development, peace, security, and prosperity in South Asia through platforms such as SAARC and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). Zameer commended Sri Lanka’s leadership as the current Chair of IORA. Both ministers also reaffirmed their positions on the situation in Gaza, calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and access to humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza.
On climate change, the ministers agreed on the need for enhanced efforts in both mitigation and adaptation. As small island nations, they acknowledged their disproportionate impact despite minimal emissions and reiterated the Maldives’ commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2030.
Concluding his statement, Zameer reiterated the Maldives’ commitment to further deepening ties with Sri Lanka, both bilaterally and multilaterally. He extended an invitation to Minister Sabry for an official visit to the Maldives to continue their discussions.
The visit marks a significant step in strengthening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, paving the way for more robust bilateral relations in the future.
