President's visit strengthens Maldives - Lanka ties

COLOMBO: The purpose of President Mahinda Rajapaksa's visit to Maldives was to strengthen the existing long-standing friendly relations between the two countries and to explore further avenues for cooperation between the two countries, a joint statement issued at the end of the visit said.

During the State Visit, the two leaders held a one-to-one meeting and led the delegations of their respective countries at the official talks between the Maldives and Sri Lanka. The President and the First Lady of the Maldives held a State banquet in honour of the President and the First Lady of Sri Lanka.

The delegations of the Maldives and Sri Lanka conducted a business seminar to identify opportunities for further trade and investment between the two countries.

At the official talks, the two leaders reviewed the relations between the two countries and expressed their satisfaction over the long-standing close ties of friendship between the two countries and noted that those ties have become stronger in recent decades.

The Maldives delegation expressed appreciation for the important contribution that Sri Lanka had made over the years for the advancement of the Maldives, in particular in the area of human resources development.

The two delegations also noted the growing volume of trade and investment between the two countries as well as the significant levels of people-to-people contact which reinforced the traditional ties of friendship between the two nations.

President Rajapaksa offered to provide 14 scholarships in the Universities in Sri Lanka and a further 5 slots at a hotel training school in Lanka for Maldivians every year.

The two delegations agreed that improved air links would be of mutual benefit and agreed that SriLankan Airlines will be granted fifth freedom rights to fly to Nairobi and Johannesburg.

The two delegations discussed the growing threat of international terrorism and agreed that there was scope to supplement international and regional commitments to combat terrorism through the conclusion of a bilateral agreement.

The two leaders expressed their concern over threats resulting from global warming and in particular noted the hazards faced by the Maldives in this regard and highlighted the need for greater collaboration in international forums in addressing this challenge.

Two Memorandums of Understanding, one on cooperation in the field of education and one in the field of cultural cooperation, were signed between the two countries during the Official Talks.

The two delegations agreed to convene the Joint Commission in 2008.

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President's Maldives visit ends on successful note

MALE: President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday ended a three day official visit to the Maldives on a highly successful note with several bilateral agreements reached which are of mutual benefit to both countries especially in the areas of trade, cultural and economic cooperation.

In addition to the MoUs, bilateral agreements were also singed in respect of investment promotion, air travel and the resolution of problems affecting the Fisheries sector. The two leaders also discussed the current political scene and economic issues.

President Rajapaksa also apprised his Maldivian counterpart of the development strategies adopted by his new Government.

President Gayoom pledged his country's total support to the Government's effort to defeat terrorism and usher in peace to Sri Lanka. Two bilateral agreements were singed during the visit while broad agreements were reached in the fields of education and cultural cooperation.

The three day visit brought fruitful results to both countries in many spheres which also enhanced regional cooperation.

President Rajapaksa also met the Sri Lankan community in the Maldives. The President's visit was given top priority by the Maldivian Government. The Lankan leader was also hosted to a State banquet by President Gayoom.

The President returned to the country last evening.