Bismillahi Rahmani Raheem
Ladies and Gentlemen, Assalaamu Alaikum and good morning
Yesterday marked yet another important step in the relationship between the Maldives and Sri Lanka. The visit of His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa is an important milestone for several reasons: It is the first visit by a Head of State to the Maldives, since the Government of President Abdullah Yameen took office and the fifth official visit by President Rajapaksa. Sri Lanka is one of our oldest and closest friends.
Sri Lanka was among the first countries to establish relations with the Maldives. We established formal ties on the very first day the Maldives gained independence, on 26 July 1965. Next year, we will mark the Golden Jubilee of our relationship. This long-standing relationship and the mutual trust and respect that exist between our two countries, has made Sri Lanka, a life-long friend of the Maldives.
People-to-people contact between our two countries is exemplary. It is helping the economies of our two countries. The Maldives benefits from the large number of Sri Lankans working in various sectors in the country. The Maldives, in its own way, also helps economic growth in Sri Lanka. Last year, more than 80,000 Maldivian tourists visited Sri Lanka. Maldives is the fourth largest source market for Sri Lankan tourism. We recognize and applaud the tremendous post-conflict reconstruction efforts of the Sri Lankan Government. We believe that the Sri Lankan Government and its people can address and overcome the challenges of post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation.
Similarly, we are confident that Sri Lanka will soon be able to overcome challenges arising from the tensions that flared up between Muslims and Buddhists in some parts of Sri Lanka in the recent weeks. Peace and stability is vital for any country or community.
Since 1906, long before formal relations were established, the Maldives maintained a mission in Sri Lanka. Similarly, we regard the presence of Sri Lanka in the Maldives, a matter of utmost importance. Therefore, we are pleased to announce, on a reciprocal basis, allocation of land to build the chancery of the High Commission of Sri Lanka in the Maldives.
This visit has cemented the strong relationship that exists between our two countries. Yesterday, our two countries signed three agreements, including on health cooperation. Maldivians have been long standing consumers of the excellent education and health services in Sri Lanka. Under the agreement signed yesterday, the Maldives looks forward to further enhancing cooperation in the health sector, including in investing in human resources, recruitment of medical doctors and health professionals, and procurement of pharmaceuticals. Under the agreement, we would receive the services of at least three specialists per year, and five seats for Maldivian students to study for MBBS. We also signed agreements on Search & Rescue and strengthening economic investments.
The Maldives and Sri Lanka will continue to cooperate on a variety of issues of mutual importance. This will be further facilitated through the continuation of the discussions of the Joint Commission, which Sri Lanka has graciously agreed to host later this year.
I am pleased that the visit of President Rajapaksa, has been a tremendous milestone in the relationship between our two countries, our Governments and our people.
Thank you.