GL on 3 day visit to Maldives

Discussions would be held to further strengthen the existing bilateral ties between the two nations

External Affairs Minister G.L Peiris arrived in the Maldives yesterday for a three-day official visit, the first since the transfer of power in that country on February 7.

He was received by the Maldivian Foreign Minister Dr. Abdul Samad Abdulla, foreign ministry officials and the resident Sri Lankan high commissioner in the Maldives.

Dr. Samad said that his Sri Lankan counterpart would commence official talks with Maldivian foreign ministry officials and that he is to pay a courtesy call on President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik.

Mr. Peiris is also to meet with Home Ministry, Defence Ministry, and Foreign Ministry officials.

“This is a three day official visit by Mr. Peiris. Tomorrow he would start the official talks, where he will meet the president, meet with Home Ministry, Defence Ministry and Foreign ministry officials as well” Dr. Samad said.

He added that discussions would be held to further strengthen the existing bilateral ties between the two nations.

Maldives voted against the resolution by the United Nation Human Rights Council against Sri Lanka.

Dr. Samad said that one of the reasons for this trip by Mr. Peiris was to thank the Maldivian government for voting in their favor.

Mr. Peiris is scheduled to conclude his trip to the Maldives on Sunday.

(haveeru)