Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Abdulla Shahid held a telephonic conversation with his counterpart, His Excellency Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
Foreign Minister Shahid thanked Foreign Minister Gunawardena for the kind hospitality and regard extended towards the Maldivian community in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka continues to remain as the second home for thousands of Maldivians.
Minister Shahid assured Minister Gunawerdana that the Government of Maldives will ensure the well-being of Sri Lankan citizens in Maldives.
Both Ministers noted the escalating situation of the COVID-19 pandemic around the globe and in the region. Minister Shahid commended the Sri Lankan Government for their efforts and measures implemented to deter the spread of COVID-19.
Foreign Minister Shahid and Foreign Minister Gunawerdana agreed that, under the current extraordinary circumstances, to the extent possible, the movement of the citizens of their respective countries will continue to be governed by the agreement on visa facilitation signed between the two Governments.
Minister Shahid briefly outlined the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the fragile economy of the Maldives, a small island nation highly dependent on tourism and imports, and acknowledged that Sri Lanka and Maldives share many commonalities.
Further, Minister Shahid apprised Minister Gunawerdana on the measures implemented by the Maldives to curtail the spread of COVID-19.
Noting the limitations in the health sector, Foreign Minister Shahid requested assistance from the Sri Lankan Government to secure medical personnel, should the need arise, to which Foreign Minister Gunawardena graciously agreed.
Both Ministers discussed the actions of their respective Governments following the digital conference held by SAARC leaders on the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Shahid informed that Maldives has established a COVID-19 emergency relief fund with a pledge of US $ 200,000 and also concurred with SAARC Development Fund to mobilise US $ 5 million as grant aid from its existing budget for COVID-19 emergency efforts.
Both Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to intensify their collaboration, founded on historic and close relations that exist between Maldives and Sri Lanka.
