Maldives and Sri Lanka have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations through new visa arrangements and cooperation agreements, following official talks held during the visit of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to the Maldives.

As part of the outcomes, Sri Lanka will now issue one-year visas for Maldivians living in the country, including those seeking medical treatment. Spouses of Maldivians travelling for work or study will also be eligible for the extended visa.

The two countries signed agreements to enhance cooperation in diplomacy and legal matters. These include a pact to facilitate training for diplomats and another to support legal assistance in criminal investigations—aimed at addressing delays and improving coordination.

In the discussions, both sides also agreed to work more closely on environmental challenges, particularly climate change, and reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration at regional and international levels.

President Dissanayake arrived in the Maldives on Monday for a two-day official visit. This year marks 60 years since diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka were established on 26 July 1965.