Malé, 1 February 2022 (TDI): This morning, at the President’s Office in Malé, Maldives, the newly sworn-in High Commissioner of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the Maldives, Adam Maznavee Jaufer Sadiq, presented his letter of credence to Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the Maldivian President.
Following the official ceremony, a political exchange was held between the two parties, during which they discussed bilateral relations.
BILATERAL COOPERATION BETWEEN MALDIVES AND SRI LANKA
President Solih, displaying warm hospitality, welcomed his interlocutor and extended a hearty congratulations on his new post. He briefed Sadiq on the existing diplomatic ties between the Maldives and Sri Lanka and affirmed that the Maldivian Government was committed to strengthening these.
After the presentation of the letter of credence, both sides discussed a variety of other related issues. They highlighted strategies to develop bilateral cooperation within multiple sectors. These include the economy, education, as well as agriculture sector.
With regards to human resource development, Solih suggested that the Sri Lankan Government waive visa fees for under-aged Maldivian scholars. He explained that this would make educational opportunities more accessible and convenient for students. In addition, it would also lift a burden off of the Maldivian community living in Sri Lanka.
Furthermore, the two also shared views on the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic situation. They provided recent developments on the inoculation drive in both nations.
POLITICAL EXCHANGES
The Maldivian President expressed felicitations to the Government and people of Sri Lanka on their upcoming 74th Independence Day, celebrated on 4 February. Further, along with the discussion, he brought up his visit to Sri Lanka in November 2021.
He expressed that the trip had been extremely fruitful, as he had participated in discourse with Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the President of Sri Lanka. During this exchange, the two Presidents talked about the future of bilateral relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
President Solih then reiterated that Sri Lanka was one of Maldives’ strongest allies. The Maldivian Government was indebted to its Sri Lankan counterpart for continually providing assistance during times of need. They concluded the meeting on a hopeful note, both eager to continue building a strong friendship between the two countries.
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