Two key agreements were signed in Malé on Monday during the ongoing state visit of His Excellency Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, reinforcing the enduring partnership between Sri Lanka and the Republic of Maldives. The agreements, witnessed by His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and President Dissanayake at the President’s Office, mark an important step toward deepening bilateral cooperation in diplomacy and legal affairs.
The first agreement signed was a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Diplomatic Training and the Exchange of Information and Documents. This agreement was established between the Foreign Service Institute of Maldives (FOSIM), operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, and Sri Lanka’s Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI). Representing their respective countries, Maldivian Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath formalized the MoU.
The agreement promotes joint initiatives in diplomatic training, resource-sharing, and institutional collaboration. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the MoU is in line with President Dr Muizzu’s vision to enhance the professional capacity of Maldivian diplomats, enabling them to effectively implement foreign policy on international platforms.
The second agreement signed was a Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, reflecting a long-anticipated framework for cooperation in legal processes. Negotiations for this treaty began in 2011, and it has since been approved by the Maldivian Cabinet. The treaty facilitates legal assistance between the two countries in criminal investigations, prosecutions, and the exchange of evidence and case-related documentation. As outlined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, each country will process cases through a designated Central Authority to ensure structured and timely collaboration.
The signing of these two agreements underscores the shared commitment of the Maldives and Sri Lanka to modernize diplomatic collaboration, enhance legal cooperation, and institutionalize long-term capacity building. These developments also reaffirm the bilateral relationship between the two nations, which this year celebrates its 60th anniversary, a diplomatic milestone since the establishment of formal ties on 26 July 1965.
President Dissanayake’s three-day visit to the Maldives is being held at the invitation of President Dr Muizzu and includes a series of official engagements, high-level talks, and collaborative ceremonies designed to further deepen the strategic ties between the neighbouring island nations. Both leaders have reiterated their dedication to supporting regional peace, strengthening people-to-people relations, and expanding cooperation across areas such as education, maritime safety, tourism, and environmental sustainability.
For international visitors and observers, the agreements highlight the Maldives’ proactive diplomacy and commitment to regional cooperation, further enhancing its image as a stable, internationally engaged destination offering not only natural beauty and luxury experiences, but also strong institutional governance and global partnerships.
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