The Republic of Maldives and Sri Lanka affirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties during official talks held between the two nations. Moosa Zameer, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, lauded Sri Lanka's resilience in overcoming economic hurdles and expressed confidence in their ability to build a more inclusive economy under President Ranil Wickremesinghe's leadership.
Acknowledging Sri Lanka's significant contributions to Maldives' development, particularly in areas such as health, education, and commerce, Minister Zameer emphasized the enduring friendship between the two nations, rooted in mutual trust and respect.
The talks centered on enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including economy, trade, education, fisheries, health, tourism, and security. Both parties discussed the importance of promoting trade and investment, with plans to finalize agreements to facilitate business operations between the two countries.
Minister Zameer announced the Maldives' decision to submit a treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters to its Parliament for approval, underscoring the commitment to combatting transnational crime. Additionally, both nations pledged to collaborate closely on maritime security, particularly in combating Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported fishing.
Regional cooperation and shared efforts in combating terrorism, human trafficking, and promoting human rights were also on the agenda. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to regional development and cooperation through platforms such as SAARC and IORA.
Addressing climate change, Minister Zameer reiterated the Maldives' commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2030 and emphasized the need for collective action to mitigate its impacts.
The talks concluded with optimism for the future, as both nations vowed to continue working together for mutual prosperity and regional stability.
Acknowledging Sri Lanka's significant contributions to Maldives' development, particularly in areas such as health, education, and commerce, Minister Zameer emphasized the enduring friendship between the two nations, rooted in mutual trust and respect.
The talks centered on enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including economy, trade, education, fisheries, health, tourism, and security. Both parties discussed the importance of promoting trade and investment, with plans to finalize agreements to facilitate business operations between the two countries.
Minister Zameer announced the Maldives' decision to submit a treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters to its Parliament for approval, underscoring the commitment to combatting transnational crime. Additionally, both nations pledged to collaborate closely on maritime security, particularly in combating Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported fishing.
Regional cooperation and shared efforts in combating terrorism, human trafficking, and promoting human rights were also on the agenda. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to regional development and cooperation through platforms such as SAARC and IORA.
Addressing climate change, Minister Zameer reiterated the Maldives' commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2030 and emphasized the need for collective action to mitigate its impacts.
The talks concluded with optimism for the future, as both nations vowed to continue working together for mutual prosperity and regional stability.
