Foreign Minister pays courtesy call on Lankan PM

Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer on Thursday, paid a courtesy call on Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

At their meeting, the two reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening the close friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Zameer and Gunawardena also explored avenues for further cooperation, with the minister conveying optimism about enhancing collaboration and strengthening diplomatic relations in the future.

Foreign Minister Zameer, who began his official visit to Sri Lanka on June 03rd, concluded his trip on Thursday. His visit aimed to enhance the bilateral ties between the two South Asian allies.

Besides his courtesy call on the Sri Lankan PM, Zameer had met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe, during which the two spoke about strengthening mutual cooperation in various areas.

The minister had also met with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ali Sabry, and held bilateral talks on a diverse array of topics ranging from fisheries, tourism, education, employment, regional and bilateral cooperation.

He also met with the Sri Lankan Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles. During their meeting, Zameer raised difficulties the Maldivians faced due to the changes to the Sri Lankan visa policy. Alles assured resolution in the matter for Maldivians.

Alles was also made aware of the significant Maldivian elderly population willing to migrate to Lanka permanently - with Zameer requesting to facilitate it from the Public Security Minister.

Before concluding the trip, Zameer also paid a courtesy call on the Sri Lankan opposition leader Sajith Premadasa as well.

This marks Zameer's first official state visit to Lanka since his cabinet post assumption.