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SL, Maldives forging ahead to further strengthen 50-year relationship
As the Republic of Maldives nears its 50th year of independence next year, and along with it, the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Sri Lanka, the two countries are exploring new ways towards enhancing decades-long relations, a senior Maldivian official said.
Ambassador-at-Large of Maldives, Abdullah Hameed. Pic by Indika Handuwala
Ambassador-at-Large of the Republic of Maldives, Abdullah Hameed, who was in Colombo this week, said relations between the two nations have been mutually beneficial and are continuing to grow. “The increasing number and frequency of high level exchanges, and the close and open dialogue between the two countries have led to further strengthening of ties,” Mr Hameed told the Sunday Times.
“At the recently held Second Session of the Maldives-Sri Lanka Joint Commission, chaired by the Foreign Ministers of the two countries, discussions were held to further strengthen the close collaboration between the two countries,” he said.
“The areas of cooperation the two countries are looking at, include economic, fisheries, tourism, education and sports among others,” Ambassador Hameed said.
He said that, in the area of fisheries, where both Sri Lanka and the Maldives have lost many concessions from the European Union (EU), due to the countries becoming Middle Income Country, there was the need to look for alternate markets, away from the traditional ones. “There is the USA, Russia, the Middle East and China, which markets we have to look at,” he said.
China has, in recent years, become the biggest investor in the Maldives, with Chinese tourists becoming the largest segment of those who made up the over million tourists who visited there last year.
During the recent visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the Maldives, an ambitious plan to link the Island of Male with Hulhumale- where the main international airport is located, was announced. The bridge to be built across the sea was named “China-Maldives Friendship Bridge” by President Xi, during the visit, after he saw the vast potential the country holds, Ambassador Hameed said.
He added that the Government of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, since taking office 11 months ago, has unveiled several new development projects that will boost economic growth in the country, which includes the upgrading of Male International Airport.
The country has also taken measures to enact legislation to set up Special Economic Zones (SEZ) aimed at creating a conducive environment for foreign investment, to generate employment and provide opportunities for increased trade.
The Maldives will also soon enact a Foreign Service Act aimed at strengthening its foreign service. “With our increased economic growth and relations, we are also strengthening our diplomatic service,” Ambassador Hameed added. At present, the Maldives has diplomatic relations with 160 nations.
Sri Lanka, along with the United Kingdom and the USA, were the first three nations to establish diplomatic relations with the Maldives in 1965.