Ref: 2025/Statement/03
Bismillah-ah-Rahman-ah-Raheem.
Assalaamu alaikum and a very good afternoon.
Honorable Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and
Tourism, Members of both delegations, Members of the media, Ladies and Gentlemen.
Let me begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Sri Lanka for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to me and my delegation during this visit. It is always a pleasure to visit this beautiful country, and the vibrant city of Colombo.
Considering the recent political and economic challenges Sri Lanka faced, I am pleased to see Sri Lanka and its people marching towards economic stability and prosperity. I commend the leadership and the people of Sri Lanka for the progress made in overcoming the enormous challenges. It is a true testimony of the strong spirit and resilience of the Sri Lankan people.
Sri Lanka has always been and continues to be one of our closest friends and development partners. As we mark the 60th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries this year, we are fully committed to the strengthening and elevating this historical partnership.
Today, Minister Herath and I held very fruitful discussions on a wide range of issues, including cooperation in the areas of economy and trade, tourism, environment and renewable energy, education and vocational training, fisheries, health, youth empowerment and sports, consular, and regional and multilateral cooperation.
The Government and people of Maldives are grateful to the Government and people of Sri Lanka for the immeasurable contributions it has made to the socioeconomic development of Maldives. Sri Lanka continues to collaborate with Maldives in multiple areas of mutual interest. I would also like to note with appreciation, the valuable contributions made to the Maldivian economy by the Sri Lankan expatriates in Maldives.
Similarly, there is a large Maldivian community residing in Sri Lanka and contributing to the Sri Lankan economy. Sri Lanka is second home to many Maldivians. We thank the Government and people of Sri Lanka for the hospitality and goodwill shown towards Maldivians residing and visiting Sri Lanka. We will continue working together to resolve any challenges faced by our communities.
Education is a cornerstone of our bilateral cooperation. We aim to expand our collaboration beyond secondary and higher-secondary education to include professional development and TVET programmes.
Minister Herath and I also agreed to work together to explore further avenues and opportunities to promote trade and investment between our two countries. We agreed to create more favorable environments for our private sectors to work together. We hope to conclude the relevant agreements on trade and investments, to facilitate this.
As two countries surrounded by the ocean, maritime security is of utmost important to us. We agreed to work together closely to combat Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported fishing in our respective EEZs. The Maldives is pleased to offer transfer of knowledge on sustainable pole and line fishing, fish processing and value-added products to the Sri Lankan fisheries sector.
Maldives and Sri Lanka, as small island states have common concerns and challenges when it comes to the issues of environment and climate change. Our countries contribute the least towards global emissions, but we are disproportionately impacted. Addressing climate change is vital for our survival. Minister Herath and I agreed to work together both bilaterally and multilaterally to find sustainable solutions for SIDs.
The Maldives and Sri Lanka have always supported each other in regional and multilateral forums. I commended the exemplary leadership and achievements of Sri Lanka as the current Chair of IORA. Minister Herath and I reaffirmed to work together for sustainable development, peace, security and prosperity of the South Asia region through regional platforms such as IORA and others.
In conclusion, let me once again reiterate the commitment of the Government of Maldives to continue working closely with the Government of Sri Lanka to enhance the close friendly ties between our two countries. I have invited Foreign Minister Herath to undertake an official visit to the Maldives and look forward to welcoming him in the Maldives to accelerate our joint efforts for the benefit of both our peoples.
Thank you.
