Discussions held on expanding Maldives-Sri Lanka relations in investment, trade

Discussions have been held on ways to further expand relations in investment and trade, between the governments of Maldives and Sri Lanka.

The discussions were held between Vice President Faisal Naseem and High Commissioner of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the Republic of Maldives, Adam Maznavee Jaufer Sadiq, who paid a courtesy call on VP Naseem at the President’s Office on Monday.

VP Naseem shed light on the strong relations between the two countries and went on to express gratitude to the government of Sri Lanka for the continuous support extended to the Maldivian government over the years.

The Vice President also shed light on the strong bonds between the people of both countries.

VP Naseem went on to express hope that the government of Sri Lanka will consider easing visa arrangements for Maldivian students, which would provide much relief for Maldivian families residing in Sri Lanka.

The two men also discussed expanding the fisheries cooperation between the two countries and supporting Sri Lanka to alleviate its economic challenges.

VP Naseem and the Sri Lankan HC went on to discuss the exchange of technical and professional expertise between Maldives and Sri Lanka.

The meeting also saw VP Naseem emphasizing that one of the most valued goals achieved at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) was the commitment to establish a "loss and damage" fund to compensate vulnerable developing countries for the losses and damages surfaced as a result of climate impacts.

He said that the fund would immensely benefit the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and other climate-vulnerable countries.

The Vice President also noted the efforts by the government of Maldives on global forums, to raise awareness about the financial strain and climate vulnerabilities faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Diplomatic relations were established between Maldives and Sri Lanka in 1965.