Sri Lanka assures 'unwavering' commitment to Maldives

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has reassured his government’s “unwavering” commitment and support to the Maldives.

While President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is currently in the neighboring country on a three-day official visit, the two leaders met for official talks on Tuesday- along with senior officials from their governments.

At the meeting held at the presidential secretariat, Sirisena described Maldives as “a close friend and neighbour,” and reassured his government’s commitment and support to the Maldives.

Noting the various contributions made by Sri Lanka to Maldives, President Solih expressed interest “for further cooperation on mutually beneficial areas.”

According to the President’s Office, both parties also spoke on “the importance of building on existing partnerships encompassing such areas as economics and trade, fisheries, health, tourism and environment.”

It further noted that Solih and Sirisena “further agreed that both countries confront similar social ills such as those associated with the use and trafficking of illicit drugs, which can only be met by sustained collaborative efforts.”

In addition, both presidents stressed on the importance of regional security, with President Solih highlighting that regional cooperation “is an important priority” for his administration.

President Sirisena added that “it is imperative that all South Asian countries must work together to ensure peace and safety of the region.”

Earlier on Tuesday, the Sri Lankan government had given President Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed a grand welcome upon their arrival at the presidential secretariat. They were received by Sirisena and First Lady Jayanthi Pushpa Kumari.

President Sirisena holds a luncheon on President Solih's honour. Photo: President's Office

Afterwards, the Sri Lankan president hosted a state luncheon in President Solih’s honour.

President Solih arrived in Sri Lanka on Sunday, to attend the neighboring country’s 71st Independence Day celebrations on Monday.

Delegation accompanying President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Photo: President's Office

He is accompanied by a high-level delegation, which includes Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, Education Minister Aishath Ali, Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail and Planning Minister Mohamed Aslam.

Leader of Sri Lanka’s opposition Mahinda Rajapkse also called on President Solih on Tuesday. At this meeting, both parties discussed “the long existing cordial relations between both countries.”

Sri Lanka's opposition leader, Mahinda Rajapkse also called on President Solih. Photo: President's Office

President Solih and team are to return to Maldives later on Tuesday.