President commends Sri Lanka

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has commended Sri Lanka’s rapid socio-economic development over the past seven years of President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s leadership.

President made the comments during a call by Sri Lankan Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen, during the President’s current state visit to Sri Lanka.

President’s Office revealed that, during the discussions held at the President’s resident hotel in Sri Lanka yesterday, Minister Bathiudeen noted that the President’s experience in trade and commerce will raise interest among the business community in Sri Lanka towards expanding import-export ties with the Maldives.

President Yameen noted that his government is trying to strengthen commercial diplomacy and that there is potential for further strengthening of trade ties between the Maldives and Sri Lanka. He pointed out that the high-level business forum held yesterday was encouraging interest and participation by high-profile entrepreneurs from the two countries.

President Yameen and Minister Bathiudeen discussed the importance of reviving the Sri Lanka-Maldives Joint Economic Commission at the earliest to identify further areas for cooperation and mutual benefit.

The President reflected on the economic policy of the Maldives and noted that growth sectors in Sri Lanka are similar to the focus areas planned by his government and that Maldives and Sri Lanka can build strong connections in industries of construction, energy and information technology.