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Maldives and Sri Lanka seek to strengthen bilateral relationship

14 Jan, 2016

The Maldives and Sri Lanka have discussed ways of strengthening the bilateral relationship between both countries.

The discussion took place when Foreign Minister?Mangala Samaraweera and Minister of Finance Ravi Karunanayake met Maldives President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom at the President?s office today.

During this meeting, the President and the two Ministers highlighted the existing bilateral relationship between both countries and discussed that areas be further explored in order to enhance the good working relationship between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Speaking at the meeting, Samaraweera?thanked President Yameen for his invitation and assured the President that the Sri Lankan Government will contribute to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Relations between both countries were strained last November after Sri Lanka?accused the Maldives of using Sri Lanka to initiate questionable action against political and social media activists.

Sri Lanka had raised concerns over the?arrest of two Sri Lankan nationals in the Maldives, the questionable removal of a Maldivian social media activist who was in possession of a valid Sri Lankan visa, the stabbing of a Maldivian national in Sri Lanka, as well as the state of emergency that was?declared in the Maldives and the impeachment of the Vice-President.

Maldives later lifted the State of emergency and looked to mend ties with Sri Lanka.?(Colombo Gazette)

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