By. Harippriya Peiris
The Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met Abdulla Khaleel (Abdulla Khaleel) Foreign Minister of the Republic of Maldives yesterday at the Presidential Secretariat. The Maldives – Sri Lanka Joint Commission which was established in 1984 provides a platform for regular and more structured review of the longstanding bilateral relations and dialogue between the two countries.
The Maldives Foreign Minister, extended congratulations on the victories achieved by the current government under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in the last elections, also mentioning his pleasure over how the country has changed since the Presidential election victory.
On this occasion Foreign Minister has also invited the Sri Lankan President to Maldives for a state official visit.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed his appreciation for the unique contribution of the Maldives in maintaining the existing relationship between the two countries.
A group of guests including the General Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives Masood Imad (Masood Imad), Foreign Secretary Fathimath Inaya (Fathimath Inaya), Aminath Abdulla Didi (Aminath Abdulla didi) gathered at the occasion.
Abdullah Khalil pointed out that after the economic setback in the country, the emerging of a strong country has surprised him and he is learning a lesson from Sri Lanka on how to recover from a devastating economic crisis.
President Anura kumara Dissanayake also appreciated the tremendous contribution of Malay Island in strengthening relationships between the two countries. Since the establishment of the High Commission, the Maldivian Government has been working closely with the Sri Lankan Government to establish and foster the long-standing brotherly relationships that had existed for generations.
Meanwhile, Dr. Abdullah Khalil, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives has met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya at the Parliament Complex, where the future of tourism industry, an area of mutual interest, cooperation between the two countries in the fields of environment and marine resources were discussed.