Following the official talks between the Republic of Maldives and Sri Lanka, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Moosa Zameer, expressed gratitude towards Sri Lanka for their warm hospitality and underscored the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. The talks, held in Sri Lanka, focused on enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including economy, trade, education, fisheries, health, tourism, and more.
Minister Zameer commended Sri Lanka's progress in overcoming economic challenges, expressing confidence in their ability to build a resilient economy under President Ranil Wickremesinghe's leadership. Highlighting Sri Lanka's invaluable contributions to Maldives' development, particularly in areas such as health, education, and commerce, Zameer emphasized the importance of preserving and strengthening this longstanding partnership.
Both parties discussed the need for greater collaboration in trade and investment, with plans to finalize agreements on the avoidance of double taxation and the promotion and protection of investments. Additionally, they addressed mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and vowed to combat Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported fishing in their respective Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs).
The talks also touched upon security cooperation, training opportunities for officers, and shared efforts in combating terrorism, human trafficking, and promoting human rights. Furthermore, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to regional development and cooperation through platforms such as SAARC and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
On climate change, Minister Zameer reiterated the Maldives' commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2030 and emphasized the need for collective action to address this global challenge.
In closing, Minister Zameer extended an invitation to Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Sabry to visit the Maldives, further strengthening bilateral relations. The talks concluded with optimism for the future, as both nations pledged to continue working closely together for mutual prosperity and regional stability.
Minister Zameer commended Sri Lanka's progress in overcoming economic challenges, expressing confidence in their ability to build a resilient economy under President Ranil Wickremesinghe's leadership. Highlighting Sri Lanka's invaluable contributions to Maldives' development, particularly in areas such as health, education, and commerce, Zameer emphasized the importance of preserving and strengthening this longstanding partnership.
Both parties discussed the need for greater collaboration in trade and investment, with plans to finalize agreements on the avoidance of double taxation and the promotion and protection of investments. Additionally, they addressed mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and vowed to combat Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported fishing in their respective Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs).
The talks also touched upon security cooperation, training opportunities for officers, and shared efforts in combating terrorism, human trafficking, and promoting human rights. Furthermore, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to regional development and cooperation through platforms such as SAARC and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
On climate change, Minister Zameer reiterated the Maldives' commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2030 and emphasized the need for collective action to address this global challenge.
In closing, Minister Zameer extended an invitation to Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Sabry to visit the Maldives, further strengthening bilateral relations. The talks concluded with optimism for the future, as both nations pledged to continue working closely together for mutual prosperity and regional stability.
