Solih, Wickremesinghe discuss efforts to combat terrorism

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe have agreed to double up on efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism, a joint statement issued by both leaders said.

The statement was issued in keeping with the Prime Minister's ongoing state visit to the Maldives.

While pointing out the close ties between the two countries, Mr. Solih had thanked Sri Lanka for assisting the Maldives in terms of health, education, defence, youth development, and sports.

The Maldivian President had also noted the Sri Lankan government’s decision to allow Maldivians to seek organ transplant services in Sri Lanka.

The President and Prime Minister also reiterated that climate change is an urgent threat that needs immediate attention in both mitigation and adaption.

Both countries signed four agreements which included an agreement on visa arrangements and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)’s on social protection, vocational training, and youth development, and Higher education.

Accordingly, the free 90-day visa agreement features on-arrival visas which would continue to be provided for tourists of both countries as agreed upon a similar agreement signed in 2008, according to the joint statement.

Further, investors and businessmen of both countries would be granted non-resident business visas, while multiple-entry visas would be granted for Maldivian students enrolled in Sri Lankan institutes, and the parents and legal guardians of students below the age of 18.