Colombo: High Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Masood Imad, paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) on Tuesday at the Deputy Minister’s office. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in defence and security.

According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, the Deputy Minister welcomed the Maldivian High Commissioner and engaged in a discussion on enhancing collaboration in areas of mutual interest. Both parties acknowledged the longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

The Maldivian envoy expressed concerns regarding the challenges faced by Maldivian nationals in obtaining annual resident visas and requested the expeditious processing of security clearances.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their dedication to fostering closer ties between the two nations. The Deputy High Commissioner of the Maldivian High Commission, Ms Fathimath Ghina, and the Minister Counselor, Ms Haleemath Sizna, were also present at the occasion.