President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s State Visit to Sri Lanka will place stronger focus on tangible outcomes and cooperation, setting it apart from similar visits in the past, Chief Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef has said.

In an exclusive interview with MMTV, Shareef highlighted the longstanding ties between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, rooted in close people-to-people connections. He noted that Maldivians regularly travel to Sri Lanka for education and healthcare, while many Sri Lankans continue to live and work in the Maldives.

He also pointed to Sri Lanka’s role as one of the Maldives’ earliest international partners following independence, with both countries maintaining a record of mutual support in international forums.

Shareef said previous visits by Maldivian leaders to Sri Lanka were largely ceremonial, centred on formal engagements. However, he said President Dr Muizzu’s current visit is expected to focus more on substantive discussions and deliverables.

“Maldivian presidents have visited Sri Lanka before. However, this visit carries a different substance. Typically, such visits tend to focus more on ceremony, with special events symbolising the relationship,” Shareef said.

Several agreements are expected to be signed during the visit, covering areas including youth and sports, aviation, defence, culture, higher education and vocational training.

Shareef added that talks between President Dr Muizzu and Sri Lankan leaders will prioritise strengthening cooperation in banking and investment. He also said issues affecting Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka, including visa-related challenges, will be raised during the discussions.