Chief Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef has stated that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s recent State Visit to Sri Lanka has paved a new path for the future of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Speaking on MMTV’s Bodu Khabaru programme, Shareef, commonly known as Mundhu, said the Maldives and Sri Lanka have long maintained close ties, but described the latest visit as distinct in terms of its outcomes and the scope of cooperation achieved.

He noted that President Dr Muizzu and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka played a key role in strengthening relations and shaping a new direction for future cooperation.

Referring to the agreements signed during the visit, the Spokesperson highlighted the tourism Memorandum of Understanding, noting that both countries see opportunities for collaboration despite offering different tourism experiences. He explained that while the Maldives remains heavily dependent on tourism, Sri Lanka is continuing to expand its tourism sector, and greater cooperation between the two countries could bring mutual economic benefits.

The spokesperson also pointed to agreements signed in the areas of counter-terrorism, anti-drug operations and anti-smuggling cooperation, noting the strategic importance of the Maldives and Sri Lanka within the North Indian Ocean region.

In addition, he said agreements related to archiving, higher education, training, youth development and healthcare would further strengthen cooperation between the two countries. According to Mundhu, the partnerships will allow both nations to share expertise, skills and resources in areas where each country holds comparative strengths.