President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said that Sri lanka has a significant part to play in awakening and reviving the spirit of democracy in Maldives.

The President said this during an address given to Maldivian nationals residing in Sri lanka. He said that even history is witness to the fact that Maldives and Sri lanka has maintained a close and brotherly bond throughout time.

The President noted the assistance given by Sri lanka to Maldives in bringing about the proper political independence to Maldives, some 53 years ago. He said that Sri lanka had assisted greatly during that time.

As such, the President said that Maldivians should seek to maintain relations in a way that further strengthens the ties between two nations. President Solih also said that it is his hope that the foreign ties between the two nations are further fortified.