Abdulla Shahid, Minister of Foreign Affairs has expressed confidence that the “excellent” relations between Maldives and Sri Lanka will continue to prosper during the tenure of the new High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Maldives, Adam Maznavee Jaufer Sadiq.

The new Sri Lankan HC paid a courtesy call on the Maldivian Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, where the pair engaged in discussions revolving around a number of topics including avenues to further strengthen the existing friendly relations with special focus given to enhancing cooperation in trade, health and education sectors.

Congratulating HC Sadiq on presenting his credentials, the Minister expressed confidence that the relations will be further reinvigorated during his tenure.

As a close and historical partner, Maldives attaches great importance to its relations with Sri Lanka, said the foreign minister, who added that the Maldives appreciates the past and continued assistance provided by Sri Lanka towards the socio-economic development of the island nation.

The meeting also saw FM Shahid expressing gratitude for the hospitality extended by the government of Sri Lanka to the Maldivian community residing in the neighboring country.

Thanking FM Shahid for the warm welcome, HC Sadiq expressed his commitment to work closely with the people and the Government of Maldives to further enhance the existing bilateral relations between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.

The meeting was joined by Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed, Foreign Secretary and Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Khadeeja Najeeha.