Friday 27th June 2014
"Our two countries have been very good neighbours for a long time. We do not approve of undue external pressure over countries. That is why the Maldives will consistently support Sri Lanka at international fora. We will continue to do so shoulder to shoulder with Sri Lanka," Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom said during a bilateral discussion with President Mahinda Rajapaksa held at President's Office in Male on Wednesday.
Following the one-to-one meeting between the two Presidents, bilateral discussions between the delegations of two countries commenced.
"The long-standing and mutually-beneficial relations between Sri Lanka and Maldives were highlighted in this discussion while exploring ways and means for further strengthening relations.
"Our countries have been subjected to harassment and too much foreign intervention," the Maldivian leader said.
"This should stop. For that we must stand together."
While noting that President Rajapaksa had visited the Maldives on four previous occasions. President Abdul Gayoom expressed his gratitude for the support Sri Lanka extended to his country.
President Rajapaksa expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome he and his delegation received.
"Your visit to Sri Lanka last January was helpful to further cement the relations between our two countries," President Rajapaksa said. "We see that Maldives progressing ahead with a new vigor. Maldives' role in SAARC is commendable."
The Sri Lankan President also thanked the Maldives for its support for Sri Lanka at international fora.
"Friendship and cooperation among South Asian countries will not only be beneficial to the countries in the region but also it helps for world's peace and stability. President Rajapaksa pointed out.
"We should speak in the same voice on a common platform, he said. Sri Lanka - Maldives Joint Commission should be utilized to enhance bilateral relations in a systematic manner," President Rajapaksa added. In response President Abdul Gayoom said that the Commission is meeting in August.
New areas of cooperation in existing sectors of economic, trade, social and cultural sectors were identified during the discussion. President Rajapaksa identified certain areas of cooperation including the development of hospital service, education, scholarships, youth development, sports, vocational training, culture, crime prevention, security and military training.
"We have a huge shortage of doctors and the lack of specialists is a big problem. Help us to resolve this," the Maldivian President requested of Sri Lanka to which President Rajapaksa readily agreed. President Rajapaksa drew his attention to the issue of not paying a pension to Sri Lankan migrant workers in Maldives to which President Gayoom replied. "That problem is solved."
President Gayoom said Maldives intends to negotiate with member countries to empower SAARC more. He requested Sri Lanka's support to his country for the membership at the UN Human Rights Council.
"Maldives completes 50 years after gaining independence next year," President Gayoom said. "The year 2015 will also mark the Golden Jubilee of establishing bilateral relations between Maldives and Sri Lanka," he continued while inviting President Rajapaksa to attend the occasion.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ms Dunya Maumoon, Minister of Defense and National Security Colonel (Rtd) Mohamad Nazim, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Ghafoor and the Parliamentary Group Leader of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manil represented Maldives at the discussion.
External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris, Minister of Higher Education S. B. Dissanayake, Monitoring MP of the Ministry of External Affairs Sajin de Vaas Gunawardena, Members of Parliament A. H. M. Azwar, Lohan Ratwatta, Udith Lokubandara, Ranjith de Zoysa and Thanuka Vidanagamage, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs Kshenuka Senewiratne and Sri Lanka's High Commissioner in Maldives Dixon Bandara comprised the Sri Lankan delegation.
