President Dr Mohamed Waheed and First Lady Madam Ilham Hussain arrived back in Male’ this evening, on conclusion of their official visit to Sri Lanka. The President made this visit on the invitation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

On arrival at the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport this evening, President Waheed met with the local media and briefed them on the accomplishments of this visit. The President noted that this was his first visit to Sri Lanka since his assumption of office as President, and expressed his pleasure of the warm welcome received by himself and his delegation from the President, government and the people of Sri Lanka. The President noted that the warm reception showed the love and respect in the hearts of Sri Lankans, for the people of Maldives.

President Waheed also highlighted the discussions held at his meetings with President Mahinda Rajapaksa and other senior officials of the Sri Lankan government. The President said that discussions were held on further strengthening the bilateral relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, and on establishing closer cooperation in business and investment between the two countries.