The Fourth Session of the Maldives – Sri Lanka Joint Commission was held this afternoon at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka. His Excellency Abdulla Shahid, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives led the Maldivian delegation and His Excellency M.U.M. Ali Sabry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka led the Sri Lankan delegation.
During the Meeting, the Foreign Ministers deliberated on a wide range of issues of mutual importance to both countries. In particular, the discussions were focused on fostering greater cooperation in the economic, educational, health, defence and cultural fields, among others. Both Ministers also exchanged views on enhancing cooperation at the regional and international level.
Following the Meeting, three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the Maldives and Sri Lanka. The MoU on the establishment of the Maldives Cultural Centre was signed by His Excellency Ali Faiz, High Commissioner of the Maldives to Sri Lanka, on behalf of the Government of Maldives and His Excellency Somarathne Vidanapathirana, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs of Sri Lanka.
The MoU on Health Cooperation was signed by Deputy Minister of Health Mr. Shamau Shareef, on behalf of the Government of Maldives and His Excellency Dr. A.K. Sunil Bernard De Alwis, Additional Secretary (Medical Services) to the Ministry of Health of Sri Lanka.
The MoU on Cultural Cooperation was signed by Minister of State for Arts, Culture and Heritage His Excellency Mohamed Thoriq, on behalf of the Government of Maldives and His Excellency Somarathne Vidanapathirana, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs of Sri Lanka.
The Ministerial Meeting of the Joint Commission was preceded by the Meeting of the Senior Officials which was held yesterday. Her Excellency Dr. Hala Hameed, Secretary, Bilateral led the Maldivian delegation and Her Excellency Yasoja Gunasekera, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka led the Sri Lankan delegation at the Senior Officials’ Meeting.