On June 6, a significant meeting took place between Moosa Zameer, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, and Dinesh Gunawardena, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, at the Temple Trees in Colombo. The primary focus of their discussion was to explore ways to strengthen existing areas of cooperation and identify new avenues for collaboration, particularly in the domains of trade, investment, education, and culture.
Minister Zameer expressed the Maldives' keen interest in expanding relations with Sri Lanka, emphasizing that the proposed bilateral treaties and Memorandum of Understanding would play a crucial role in further bolstering economic cooperation between the two nations. The proposed agreements include an Investment Protection Treaty, a Double Tax Avoidance Agreement, and measures to facilitate remittances by Sri Lankans employed in the Maldives who receive payment in Maldivian currency. Additionally, the agreements aim to make it easier for Maldivian students and medical tourists to make payments in Sri Lanka.
Expressing gratitude for Sri Lanka's support in the education sector, Minister Zameer urged the Prime Minister to facilitate more educational opportunities for Maldivian students. He shared his personal experience, stating, "Like many Maldivians, I also studied in Sri Lanka." The Maldivian minister also conveyed his country's desire to recruit Sri Lankan teachers and doctors, requesting the Prime Minister to consider a Government-to-Government agreement to streamline the process.
In response, Prime Minister Gunawardena assured Minister Zameer of his fullest cooperation in implementing all the suggestions put forth by the Maldivian side. He also requested the Maldives government to provide free passage to genuine fishermen from Sri Lanka. Minister Zameer informed the Prime Minister that his government has introduced drawn crafts to monitor vessel movements, which would ensure safe passage for fishing vessels.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need to enhance cooperation in the tourism and energy sectors, particularly in the areas of solar and wind power. This highlights the potential for the two countries to collaborate on sustainable energy solutions and promote eco-friendly practices in the tourism industry.
Minister Zameer was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Sheryana Abdul, State Minister of Foreign Affairs; Masood Imad, High Commissioner of Maldives; Shiruzimath Sameer, Additional Secretary; Aishath Fareena, Director General; and Fathimath Ghina, Deputy High Commissioner. On the Sri Lankan side, the meeting was attended by MP Yadamii Gunawardena, Anura Dissanayake, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Niluka Kadiragamuwa, Director General of Foreign Ministry; and Sugeeswara Senadhira, International Affairs and Media Advisor to the Prime Minister.
The meeting between Minister Zameer and Prime Minister Gunawardena underscores the strong bilateral ties between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, as well as their shared commitment to fostering greater cooperation in various sectors. The proposed agreements and initiatives discussed during the meeting have the potential to unlock new opportunities for trade, investment, education, and cultural exchange, benefiting both nations and their people.
