President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has officially concluded his three-day state visit to the Republic of Maldives. The visit, undertaken at the invitation of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, highlighted the continued commitment of both nations to strengthening their long-standing bilateral relationship, which this year marks its 60th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1965.
During his visit, President Dissanayake was warmly received with a ceremonial welcome in Malé, reflecting the deep-rooted friendship and mutual respect between the two neighbouring countries. The reception featured a traditional welcome ceremony attended by President Dr Muizzu, senior officials, and members of the Maldivian Cabinet.
A major highlight of the visit was the official bilateral talks held between the two Presidents at the President’s Office. The discussions focused on enhancing collaboration across a wide range of strategic sectors, including trade, education, maritime security, climate action, and tourism. Both leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and economic development.
As part of the visit, President Dissanayake and President Muizzu witnessed the signing of two important agreements: a Memorandum of Understanding on Diplomatic Training and Information Exchange between the foreign service institutes of both nations, and a Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, which had been under discussion since 2011. These agreements underscore the shared goal of improving institutional cooperation and strengthening legal frameworks for cross-border collaboration.
In addition to the official talks, the two Presidents delivered joint press statements highlighting the progress made during the visit and outlining a forward-looking agenda to deepen ties. They emphasized the importance of people-to-people exchanges, environmental sustainability, and mutual investments, particularly in the tourism and fisheries sectors.
A state banquet was held in honour of President Dissanayake, where President Dr Muizzu praised the cultural and historical bonds between the two nations and reiterated the Maldives’ dedication to expanding cooperative efforts in economic, technological, and security domains.
Throughout the visit, President Dissanayake also engaged in a series of high-level courtesy calls with Maldivian Cabinet ministers and senior government officials. These included meetings with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Economic Development and Trade, Defence, Finance, and Homeland Security and Technology, covering a comprehensive agenda of bilateral cooperation.
President Dissanayake’s first state visit to the Maldives since taking office in September 2024 has reaffirmed the depth and resilience of Maldives–Sri Lanka relations. The visit set a productive tone for future collaboration and highlighted both nations’ shared aspirations for a stable, sustainable, and prosperous Indian Ocean region.
For international audiences, the successful conclusion of this state visit reflects the Maldives’ active role in fostering regional partnerships and its continued dedication to international cooperation, an essential pillar of its identity as a peaceful, welcoming, and globally engaged destination.
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