Maldives, Sri Lanka Sign MoU on Diplomatic Training, Treaty on Legal Assistance

President Mohamed Muizzu and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on diplomatic training and a treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters following official talks at the President’s Office in Malé.

The MoU was signed between the Foreign Service Institute of Maldives (FOSIM) and Sri Lanka’s Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI). It outlines cooperation on diplomatic training, knowledge-sharing, and the exchange of institutional resources and documentation, the President’s Office said.

The treaty on mutual legal assistance, previously approved by the Maldivian cabinet, aims to strengthen cooperation in criminal investigations and prosecutions, including the exchange of evidence and information between the two countries.

The agreements were formalised after the two leaders led bilateral discussions focused on enhancing cooperation across a broad range of sectors. President Muizzu emphasised the “close and cordial relations” between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, which span more than five decades, and acknowledged the contribution of the Sri Lankan workforce to the Maldives’ development.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration in areas such as education, capacity building, climate action, fisheries, agriculture, food security, maritime safety, air connectivity, youth development and sports.

President Dissanayake, who took office in September 2024, is in the Maldives on his first state visit at President Muizzu’s invitation. The visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, established on 26 July 1965.

President Dissanayake was officially welcomed at Velana International Airport on Monday morning by President Muizzu before the talks and signing ceremony.

President Dissanayake was officially greeted at Velana International Airport on Monday morning, and later accorded a ceremonial welcome at Republic Square in Malé by President Muizzu before the talks and signing ceremony.