Maldivian Foreign Minister reaffirms his Government's deep commitment

DIPLOMACY: Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives Dr. Ahamed Shaheed paid a Courtesy Call on his Sri Lankan counterpart Hon. Rohitha Bogollagama on 5th February 2007 in Colombo.

The two leaders held discussions which were detailed and substantive and underlined the close and friendly ties that exist between the two countries.

The Ministers agreed to explore the possibilities of intensification of bilateral economic cooperation. Minister Bogollagama proposed that Sri Lanka and the Maldives should jointly promote tourism for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

In the education sector too the Sri Lankan Minister offered to expand the existing cooperation in order to meet the specific needs of the Maldivians.

The Maldivian Minister's request for consular assistance for the Maldivians living abroad through Sri Lankan Missions received a positive response from the Sri Lanka Minister.

The visiting Minister also proposed to establish a mechanism to review bilateral issues on an annual basis at the Foreign Ministers' level which was well received by Minister Bogollagama.

The Maldivian Foreign Minister reaffirmed his Government's deep commitment to oppose terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

The two Ministers agreed to cooperate with each other in the field of combating terrorism.

The discussions between the Foreign Ministers of Sri Lanka and the Maldives served to underline the excellent state of bilateral ties and the growing need for the intensification of economic cooperation between the two countries.