Maldives and Sri Lanka Strengthen Bilateral Ties with Key Agreements During State Visit

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Sri Lanka witnessed the signing of two significant agreements aimed at bolstering diplomatic and legal cooperation between the Maldives and Sri Lanka yesterday.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Diplomatic Training and the Exchange of Information and Documents was signed between the Foreign Service Institute of Maldives (FOSIM) and the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) of Sri Lanka. The agreement sets out frameworks for collaboration in diplomatic training, knowledge-sharing, and the exchange of institutional resources.

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In addition, a Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters was signed between the two governments. The treaty, previously approved by the Maldivian Cabinet, is designed to facilitate legal cooperation in criminal investigations, prosecutions, and the sharing of evidence and information.

His Excellency President Dr @MMuizzu holds official talks with Sri Lankan President, His Excellency @anuradisanayake, at the President’s Office this evening. The two leaders discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the Maldives and Sri Lanka in key areas of mutual interest… pic.twitter.com/OlvzNxBQMg— The President's Office (@presidencymv) July 28, 2025

The agreements were signed as part of President Dissanayake’s first state visit to the Maldives since taking office in September 2024. He was formally welcomed with a ceremonial reception at Republic Square upon his arrival yesterday, which included a 21-gun salute, a cultural performance by students, and the inspection of a Guard of Honour. His three-day state visit will end tomorrow.

Following official talks at the President’s Office, the two heads of state delivered joint press statements, reaffirming the importance of strong bilateral relations between the neighbouring Indian Ocean nations. President Muizzu described the Maldives and Sri Lanka as kindred countries bound by a shared history and mutual respect. He highlighted that, as the Maldives marks 60 years of independence in 2025, both nations are also celebrating six decades of diplomatic relations.

President Muizzu expressed appreciation for Sri Lanka’s support over the years, noting its early recognition of Maldivian independence in 1965 and the valuable contributions of Sri Lankan professionals, particularly in the education sector. He also commended Sri Lanka’s efforts in navigating recent economic challenges and expressed confidence in President Dissanayake’s leadership in building a resilient and inclusive economy.

Discussions during the visit spanned a broad range of sectors including trade, education, defence, fisheries, agriculture, climate change, vocational training, youth, and sports. The leaders agreed to enhance cooperation through capacity-building programmes and closer collaboration between academic institutions.

President Dissanayake echoed his Maldivian counterpart’s sentiments, highlighting the enduring cultural ties and mutual interests shared by the two nations. He emphasised the importance of diversifying bilateral cooperation to include sustainable development, tourism, trade, and youth empowerment. He also praised the Maldives’ climate ambitions and outlined Sri Lanka’s own environmental initiative, “Clean Sri Lanka”.

Both leaders noted the need to improve consular services, address illegal fishing, and strengthen maritime security through joint efforts and knowledge exchange. President Dissanayake extended an invitation to President Muizzu to visit Sri Lanka in the near future.

The visit marks a reaffirmation of the longstanding partnership between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, with both countries committing to deepen cooperation and strengthen the foundations of regional stability and prosperity.

This visit follows the state visit by the Prime Minister of India, Narendera Modi, from July 25 t0 26, coinciding with the Maldives’ Independence Day.