The Maldives and Sri Lanka have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through targeted cooperation across key sectors, following official talks held during the state visit of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka to the Maldives.

The joint press statements, delivered by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and President Disanayaka at the President’s Office on 28 July, marked a renewed focus on strategic engagement as the two countries celebrate 60 years of diplomatic ties.

The discussions centred on expanding collaboration in trade, education, fisheries, environmental protection, vocational training, and maritime security. Both leaders emphasised the need to transition from symbolic gestures to concrete initiatives that deliver mutual benefits. The visit culminated in the signing of two formal agreements: a treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and a memorandum of understanding on diplomatic training and information exchange. These agreements aim to institutionalise cooperation between the two governments, providing structured pathways for legal, diplomatic and educational collaboration.

The Maldivian Government noted Sri Lanka’s long-standing contributions to the local education sector and expressed interest in revitalising those ties through academic exchanges, capacity-building programmes, and closer institutional partnerships. In turn, Sri Lanka acknowledged the Maldives’ ongoing efforts in climate resilience and sustainable development, aligning them with its own national environmental initiative.

The leaders also agreed on enhancing consular services and reaffirmed their shared commitment to addressing illegal fishing and improving maritime security. These efforts are to be supported through technical collaboration and the exchange of expertise between relevant agencies. President Disanayaka extended a formal invitation to President Dr Muizzu to visit Sri Lanka, signalling the intent to sustain high-level engagement.

This latest round of dialogue, held in the context of six decades of diplomatic relations since 26 July 1965, reflects a forward-looking approach anchored in practical cooperation.