His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has delivered a press statement at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, as part of his ongoing State Visit to Sri Lanka.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu commenced his statement by noting that it was a great honour to be in Colombo. The President expressed sincere gratitude to President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, the government, and the people of Sri Lanka for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to his delegation.
President Dr Muizzu noted that the State Visit marks not only a reaffirmation of close neighbourly ties, but also the beginning of a renewed and forward-looking partnership between the Maldives and Sri Lanka. The President took note of the highly productive discussions with President Disanayaka covering a wide range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, and the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) exchanged earlier today. He emphasised that the focus now is on delivery and implementation to ensure tangible benefits for the people of both countries.
Taking note of economic cooperation as a central pillar of the discussions, President Dr Muizzu expressed appreciation for the significant contributions of Sri Lankan nationals to the development of the Maldives, as well as the valued presence of the Maldivian community in Sri Lanka. He reiterated the commitment to expanding trade and investment, creating a more enabling, investor-friendly environment, and unlocking new business opportunities.
The President highlighted that the upcoming Maldives–Sri Lanka Business Forum will serve as a key platform to connect businesses and investors from both countries. He emphasised that education and youth empowerment are national priorities, with both countries agreeing to strengthen collaboration in higher education, vocational training, skills development, and institutional partnerships to equip young people for the future. He further noted the importance of sustainable fisheries management, marine protection, and maritime security cooperation.
The President also highlighted the importance of people-to-people ties, culture, and shared heritage, with plans to expand cooperation through cultural exchanges, academic collaboration, and social development initiatives.
On global issues, President Dr Muizzu stated that climate change remains an existential threat to both countries, reaffirming commitments to stronger international advocacy, joint environmental initiatives, and collective action for climate resilience.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu concluded by stating that the visit marks the beginning of a new and dynamic chapter in Maldives–Sri Lanka relations, reaffirming the Maldives' steadfast commitment to deepening the partnership, advancing regional cooperation, and promoting peace, stability, and shared prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.
