Maldivian, Sri Lankan presidents discuss ways of enhancing bilateral relations

Tuesday, 23 September 2014 01:54 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President of Maldives Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and Sri Lanka’s President Mahinda Rajapaksa discussed ways of enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries in various areas of development, when they met at the Temple Trees on Friday.

During the meeting the two leaders underscored the importance of early implementation of the decisions of the Sri Lanka-Maldives Joint Commission, which was held recently, President Yameen’s office said. The two presidents, referring to the 18th SAARC summit to be held in Kathmandu in November, exchanged views on further strengthening the SAARC mechanism and discussed the need to make SAARC a more relevant and responsive organisation for the people of South Asia. President Rajapaksa expressed his gratitude to President Yameen for accepting his invitation to attend the 8th General Assembly of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) as the Guest of Honour. Commending the Maldivian Government for its successful initiatives to transform the Maldives’ economy, the Sri Lankan President reassured President Yameen of Sri Lanka’s willingness to assist the Maldives. President Yameen congratulated the Sri Lankan President and the Government for hosting the important conference of ICAPP. The President further commended the Sri Lankan Government on the recent launch of key development projects, which would greatly benefit the people of Sri Lanka.