Friendship and support of Maldives assured - Maldivian President

External Affairs Minister Prof G.L. Peiris called on Maldivian President Mohamed Waheed who was on a state visit to Sri Lanka, at Hotel Hilton on Thursday.

They had comprehensive discussions on co-operation between Sri Lanka and the Maldives. It was agreed to accord priority to collaboration in the education, health and security sectors.

Fisheries and tourism are two other areas where both countries could derive considerable benefit from close co-operation, and practical strategies to accomplish this formed part of the discussion.

It was noted that Sri Lanka and the Maldives have worked closely together over the years in international fora. Attention was paid to themes which are likely to arise for discussion in the near future, and the common interests of the two countries were considered. Emphasis was placed on issues relating to climate change and measures for preventing over-exploitation of marine resources.

Minister Peiris thanked President Waheed for the strong support of the Maldives for Sri Lanka at the sessions of the Human Rights Council in March this year. President Waheed responded that this was consistent with the principled position of the Maldives, and he said that Sri Lanka could be assured of the firm, continuing support and goodwill of the Maldives in the future.