Maldives and Sri Lanka have always enjoyed strong, people-centric ties over the years, says one of the three sons of former President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa, Lakshman Namal Rajapaksa.

As part of his ongoing trip to Maldives, Rajapaksa called on Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Monday morning.

Taking to twitter following the meeting, the former First Son of Sri Lanka expressed his pleasure in having met the Maldives President.

Further, Rajapaksa wrote that the strong ties shared between both countries are what they will continue to build upon.

Spokesperson at the President’s Office, Ibrahim Hoodh stated that the meeting was not official, however, he did not reveal further details about it.

Rajapaksa, also a member of Parliament, was received at Velana International Airport by Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Ahmed Mahloof on Monday morning.

The politician also met with some other government officials during his ongoing trip. As such, he met with Minister of Finance, Ibrahim Ameer and Minister of Economic Development, Fayyaz Ismail.

Rajapaksa also met with Maldives Minister of Defense, Mariya Ahmed Didi during his trip.

He held productive discussions with Minister Mariya on the security and stability of the region.

In a tweet posted following the meeting, Rajapaksa wrote that Maldives and Sri Lanka continues to be pivotal in securing peace in the region.

Rajapaksa had arrived in Maldives for President Solih’s inauguration ceremony in November 2018.