The Maldives and Sri Lanka have discussed expanding relations in the areas of investment and trade. The discussions were held during a meeting held at the President's Office between the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Maldives Adam Maznavee Jaufer Sadiq and Vice President Faisal Naseem.
Speaking at the meeting, Vice President Naseem emphasised the strong relations between the two countries and thanked the government of Sri Lanka for its continuous support for the Maldives. He also emphasised the strong bonds between the people of the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
Additionally, Vice President Naseem and High Commissioner Sadiq spoke about ways to further expand relations between the two countries, especially in investment and trade. The vice president expressed hope that Sri Lanka would consider easing visa arrangements for Maldivian students, which he noted would provide significant relief for Maldivian families residing in Sri Lanka. Other topics discussed at the meeting included expanding the fisheries cooperation between the two countries and supporting Sri Lanka to alleviate its economic challenges. They also discussed the exchange of technical and professional expertise between the two countries.
At the meeting, Vice President Naseem underlined that one of the most cherished goals achieved at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) was the commitment to establish a loss and damage fund to compensate vulnerable developing countries for the losses and damages they face as a result of climate impacts. He shed light on the efforts by the Maldives on global forums to raise awareness about the financial strain and climate vulnerabilities faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He added that the fund would benefit the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and other climate-vulnerable countries.