The governments of the Maldives and Sri Lanka has held discussions on cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday on a three-day official visit. During his official visit, Zameer met Sri Lankan Foreign Minister MUM Ali Sabri yesterday to discuss strengthening bilateral relations in various fields.

After the meeting, Zameer said in a statement that the two countries discussed economic development, education, and trade as well as health sectors.

Zameer said Maldives and Sri Lanka are both heavily dependent on fisheries and there have been extensive discussions on the management of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ). He said the two countries are already cooperating in the field of security and therefore they will discuss increasing training opportunities between the two countries.

"On climate change, we agreed that more needs to be done on both mitigation and adaptation. Addressing climate change is critical for sustainable development. As small island nations, we are disproportionately impacted despite minimal emissions. The Maldives is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2030," a statement by the foreign ministry read.

They also discussed terrorism, extremism, drugs, human trafficking, and the promotion and protection of human rights.

Zameer also met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday. Zameer also met with some Sri Lankan businessmen, political leaders, and Maldivians living in Sri Lanka yesterday.

Zameer will return to the Maldives early tomorrow after completing his official visit.