Ref: 2025/PR/234
The President of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu, and the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Anura Kumara Disanayaka, delivered joint press statements today at the President’s Office, following official talks held as part of the Sri Lankan President’s state visit to the Maldives.
President Dr Muizzu described the Maldives and Sri Lanka as kindred nations bound by the Indian Ocean, sharing a centuries-old friendship founded on mutual respect and shared aspirations. He noted that, as the Maldives celebrates 60 years of independence this year, both nations are also marking six decades of formal diplomatic relations, established on 26 July 1965, with Sri Lanka among the Maldives’ earliest diplomatic partners.
The President commended his Sri Lankan counterpart for the strides made in overcoming recent economic challenges, expressing confidence that, under President Disanayaka’s leadership, Sri Lanka would continue advancing towards a more resilient and inclusive economy.
Elaborating on the discussions held earlier in the day, President Dr Muizzu said that both sides had explored opportunities to enhance cooperation across a broad spectrum of sectors, including trade, defence, education, vocational training, youth and sports, the environment, fisheries, and agriculture. The President stated that the treaty and Memorandum of Understanding exchanged today reflect the shared commitment to further strengthen the close ties between the two nations.
Acknowledging the legacy of Sri Lankan service in the education sector, the President said that both countries had agreed to enhance cooperation through capacity-building programmes, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and closer partnerships between their academic institutions.
In his statement, President Disanayaka reiterated President Dr Muizzu’s sentiments about the significance of relations between the two neighbouring littoral states, including cultural bonds. He highlighted the importance of diversifying bilateral relations for mutual benefit, including strengthened cooperation in education, trade and investment, tourism, sustainable fisheries, agriculture, and youth empowerment.
The President applauded the Maldives’ sustainability ambitions in addressing climate change and highlighted the sister initiative underway in Sri Lanka, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme.
President Disanayaka also extended an invitation to President Dr Muizzu to undertake a visit to Sri Lanka.
Both leaders emphasised the significance of people-to-people ties and committed to enhancing consular services, while also reaffirming their dedication to combating illegal fishing and strengthening maritime security through knowledge exchange and cooperation.
Source:
https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/34467