President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka held official talks on Monday as part of the Sri Lankan President’s state visit to the Maldives.

The visit, taking place from 28 to 30 July, is President Disanayaka’s first official engagement in the Maldives since assuming office.

Held at the President’s Office, the discussions focused on enhancing the longstanding relationship between the two neighbouring countries. President Dr Muizzu highlighted the close diplomatic ties shared over more than five decades, noting in particular the strong people-to-people connections and the contributions of the Sri Lankan workforce to the Maldives' development.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including education and capacity building, climate action, fisheries and agriculture, food security, maritime safety, air connectivity, youth development, and sports.

Sri Lanka, the Maldives’ closest neighbour, has maintained diplomatic relations with the Maldives since its independence on 26 July 1965.

Following the official talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of a key treaty and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.