Maldives-Lanka discuss combatting illegal fishing

The Foreign Ministers of the Maldives and Sri Lanka have discussed on working together to combat illega, unregulated and unreported fishing activities in the countries' respective EEZs and beyond.

The discussions were held on Wednesday during Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer visit to his Sri Lankan counterpart Ali Sabry. Zameer is currently visit Lanka on an official trip.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Zameer said that the two South Asian allies talked about taking stringent measures against illegal fisheries activities since the two countries are "greatly dependent on fishing".

Zameer further added that the Maldives is pleased to offer transfer of knowledge on sustainable pole and line fishing to Sri Lankan fishermen. 

The two held constructive discussions on Wednesday on a diverse array of mutually significant issues, including cooperation in the areas of economy and trade, education, tourism, employment, legal and law enforcement, and fisheries along with regional and multilateral cooperation. As such the two had discussed on;

• Sri Lanka government's re-affirmation on the terms of the Maldives-Sri Lanka bilateral agreement on short-term visit visa of up to 90 days for the nationals of both countries, and providing concessional terms for resident student visas
• The conclusion of the agreements on the avoidance of double taxation and the promotion and protection of investments between the two countries aimed at facilitating trade and easening the burden and risks
• Enhance training opportunities for officers of both countries
• Regional and multilateral issues of importance, the countries are united in the efforts to resolve them ranging from combatting terrorism and violent extremism, drugs, human trafficking, and protection of human rights
• Reiterating commitment to work together for sustainable development, peace and prosperity of the South Asia region through SAARC and other platforms such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)
• Additional work to be done on both mitigation and adaptation to address and combat climate change

Beside this, the two ministers reaffirmed the position of the governments of the Maldives and Sri Lanka on the situation in Gaza.

Minister Zameer in his statement highlighted the Maldives government's hope for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the people of Gaza to have access to humanitarian aid.

The Maldives Foreign Minister who began his formal visit to Lanka on last Monday, will conclude his trip on Thursday, June 06th.

Minister Zameer is visiting Lanka to discuss on enhancing bilateral cooperation of the two governments on multiple areas of mutual interest.