President Assures Collaboration with Sri Lanka to Overcome Challenges Like Illegal Fishing

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has assured that the Maldives and Sri Lanka will work together to overcome challenges such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

He made these remarks in a joint statement delivered after official talks between the two countries, held during Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's ongoing visit to the Maldives.

In his address, the President described the Maldives and Sri Lanka as close, neighboring countries bound by the Indian Ocean, sharing a long-standing friendship built on mutual respect and shared aspirations at the bilateral level. Detailing the bilateral discussions, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated that opportunities for strengthening ties have been identified in areas including trade, defense, education, vocational training, youth and sports, as well as environment, fisheries, and agriculture.

As island nations, the President noted that both the Maldives and Sri Lanka rely heavily on the Indian Ocean, particularly on fisheries. Highlighting that fisheries is a primary source of income for many citizens in both countries, the President stated that discussions were held on reaffirming the shared resolve to tackle challenges such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and on exchanging information and experiences to promote sustainable fishing practices.

"We will continue the close cooperation the Maldives maintains with Sri Lanka for the safety and security of our maritime domains. We are grateful for the continuous and valuable assistance Sri Lanka provides through joint exercises, various skills development, and professional training," the President said.

In his remarks, the President also assured that the Maldives will work with Sri Lanka to strengthen both countries' participation in efforts to ensure maritime security. Noting that climate change is a major concern for both nations, the President described it as a shared threat that requires urgent, united, and bold action.

Shedding light on the bilateral talks, the President further stated that views were exchanged on measures being taken to promote environmental sustainability through joint government efforts and international cooperation. He added that as close friends and neighbors, the Maldives and Sri Lanka continue to work closely in the international arena, and that he has renewed his commitment with Sri Lankan President Dissanayake to strengthen this partnership and work closely in regional and international forums to find joint solutions to emerging challenges.

Speaking about the bilateral discussions, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that talks were held on expanding cooperation and assistance between the Maldives and Sri Lanka in addressing climate change and environmental protection, as well as ensuring the safety and security of the Indian Ocean. Dissanayake also mentioned that he shared information with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu regarding ongoing efforts to establish a single-window system to create a more favorable environment for foreign investors in Sri Lanka. He added that Maldivian businessmen were invited to invest, particularly in the fields of IT, AI, fisheries and agro-processing, tourism, real estate, and infrastructure development.