INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe agreed on the importance of working together bilaterally
and regionally in the multilateral arena in combatting the growing menace of terrorism, violent extremism and radicalisation at home and
abroad, the Maldives and Sri Lanka in a joint statement said yesterday.
It said that both leaders also agreed to address and counter
threats posed by organised crime, piracy, narcotics and human trafficking
Prime Minister Wickremesinghe returned after concluding his Official Visit to the Maldives yesterday.
The two leaders discussed ways to
further strengthen the existing bilateral cooperation and people-to-people contacts between the two countries
President Solih expressed his sympathies and condolences to Prime Minister Wickremesinghe on the devastating terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka
President Solih commended the swift action of the Sri Lankan Government to apprehend the perpetrators and provide protection to the
communities,& the statement said.
The two leaders reaffirmed and expressed their appreciation of the deep-rooted friendship, reinforcing
the mutual trust, respect and goodwill that exist between the two countries
President Solih noted with appreciation the invaluable and manifold contributions made by Sri Lanka to the socio-economic development of the
Maldives, notably in the areas of trade and economy, tourism, youth development, defence, social protection, culture, health, education and
The two leaders reviewed the existing programme of co-operation between the two countries and agreed to continue the bilateral engagements
within the context of the Joint Commission between the Maldives and Sri Lanka
The Fourth Meeting of the Joint Commission will be held in Sri Lanka, later this year,& it added.
The two leaders expressed their pleasure
and satisfaction at the signing of four instruments between the two countries, which will further intensify the bilateral engagement and,
strengthen people-to-people contact and exchange
Accordingly, the two sides signed the following MoUs or Agreements;
bull; Agreement on the Facilitation of Visa Arrangements;
bull;
Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the area of Social Protection;
bull; Memorandum of Understanding on Vocational Training and
Youth Development; and
bull; Memorandum of Understanding on Higher Education.
Both leaders particularly expressed satisfaction at the
successful conclusion of the agreement on the facilitation of visa arrangements between the two countries
The agreement accommodates the needs of the Maldives with respect to student, parental and guardian visas, and the requirement of Sri Lanka
on long-term business visas,& it added.
President Solih expressed deep appreciation to the Sri Lankan Government for its decision to allow
Maldivian nationals to undergo organ transplant surgery, including kidney and liver, at Sri Lankan hospitals
The two leaders recognised global climate change as a significant threat and challenge to developing countries, particularly to coastal and,
low-lying states and regions
Both leaders agreed to work together to promote adaptation and mitigation efforts, through bilateral, regional and global means and
mechanisms, and emphasised the importance of the swift implementation of the Paris Agreement,& the statement noted.
