Sri Lanka remains one of the Maldives strongest friends and development partners, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

The President made the statement at discussions held with the Sri Lankan Ambassador Major General (Retd) B.R.W.M.R.A.B Thoradeniya on Thursday morning.

While the Sri Lankan Ambassador paid a courtesy call on the Maldives President on Thursday morning, the President’s Office revealed that the pair discusses on ways to further strengthen ties between both countries.

As such, highlighting that Sri Lanka remains one of the Maldives strongest friends and development partners, President Solih expressed his sincere appreciation for the warm relations that have been celebrated between Maldives and Sri Lanka, since formal diplomatic ties were established 54 years ago.

In addition, Ambassador Thoradeniya highlighted that many Sri Lankans are “eager” to work in the Maldives because of the country’s “attractive professional” environment, reflected by the Sri Lankan expatriate community.

During the call, President Solih expressed his appreciation for the “manifold contributions” made to the country by neighboring Sri Lanka, as well as for the hospitality accorded by the country to the 10,000 Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka for educational, or medical purposes.

Ambassador Thoradeniya went on to assert that President Solih’s success represents a triumph of the people’s will, shedding light on his momentous victory in the Presidential Elections last September.