Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel has reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and development ties with Sri Lanka during an official visit to Colombo. In discussions with his Sri Lankan counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, both sides explored avenues for expanded cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, education, fisheries, and climate change.
During the meeting, held at the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ministers acknowledged the longstanding historical ties between the two nations and expressed their shared commitment to enhancing collaboration in areas of mutual interest. Dr. Khaleel highlighted Sri Lanka’s significant contributions to the socioeconomic development of the Maldives, particularly in human resource development and trade. He also expressed gratitude for Sri Lanka’s hospitality towards the large Maldivian community residing in the country, describing Sri Lanka as a “second home” for many Maldivians.
The discussions covered a broad range of sectors, with a focus on strengthening trade and investment. Both sides agreed to work towards creating a more favourable environment for private sector engagement and to finalise agreements aimed at facilitating trade and investment between the two countries. Education and vocational training were also key topics, with plans to expand cooperation beyond secondary education to include professional development and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes.
Fisheries cooperation featured prominently in the discussions, with both countries agreeing to collaborate on combatting illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing in their respective Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). Dr. Khaleel noted that the Maldives would share expertise on sustainable pole-and-line fishing, fish processing, and value-added fisheries products to support Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector.
The two ministers also addressed environmental challenges, particularly the shared vulnerabilities of small island nations to climate change. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to working together bilaterally and multilaterally to find sustainable solutions. Dr. Khaleel commended Sri Lanka’s leadership as the current chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and stressed the importance of regional cooperation in tackling common challenges.
The meeting also focused on consular matters and ensuring the welfare of Maldivians living in Sri Lanka. Both ministers agreed to continue working together to address challenges faced by their respective expatriate communities.
At the conclusion of the talks, Minister Khaleel invited Minister Herath to visit the Maldives at a mutually convenient time, expressing confidence that bilateral relations between the two countries would continue to expand in the coming years.
