The Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka, Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen called on President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, this afternoon.
During the discussions held at the President’s resident hotel in Sri Lanka, Minister Bathiudeen recalled the strong ties that President Yameen had cultivated with his predecessors, during President Yameen’s tenure as Trade Minister of the Maldives in President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s Cabinet. He noted that the President’s vast experience in trade and commerce will undoubtedly raise interest among the business community in Sri Lanka towards expanding import-export ties with the Maldives.
President Yameen noted the potential for further strengthening of trade ties between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, and pointed out that the high-level business forum held today with encouraging interest and participation by high-profile entrepreneurs from the two countries.
President Yameen and Minister Bathiudeen discussed the importance of reviving the Sri Lanka-Maldives Joint Economic Commission at the earliest to identify further areas for cooperation and mutual benefit. He commended Sri Lanka’s rapid socioeconomic development over the past seven years of President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s leadership.
President Yameen was joined at the call by the Minister at the President’s Office, His Excellency Mohamed Hussain Shareef, Spokesperson at the President’s Office, Mr. Ibrahim Muaz Ali and Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms Farzana Zahir.
Minister Bathiudeen was joined by the Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mr. V. A. D. Lakshman Wasantha Perera and senior officials of key state and private enterprises of Sri Lanka.
