|
|
|
Thursday, July 08, 2010 - 4.43 GMT |
|
Sri Lanka's goodwill towards Maldives will
always remain - President |
|
|
|
The friendship and goodwill of Sri Lankan people towards the Maldivians will always remain, President Mahinda Rajapaksa stated yesterday [07 July] at a special luncheon hosted by Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed at the Presidential Residence Muleeage in honour of President Rajapaksa.
The relations between the two countries, in times good and bad, have strengthened and the excellent people-to-people contact has been a strong foundation of close bilateral ties, President Rajapaksa further stated.
Speaking on the political situation in his country, the Maldivian President said that he held discussions with political parties on the issue and announced that he would appoint a cabinet later today.
President Nasheed highlighted the historical relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
He noted the many similarities between the two peoples and said the Maldives “will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Sri Lanka.”
'It doesn’t matter who is in government of the Maldives or who is in government in Sri Lanka. We are same people and we will stand together and we will stay together,' he said.
At a bilateral meeting between the two Presidents earlier that day at the Maldivian President’s Office, they discussed ways to enhance the existing close and friendly relations between the two countries and explore new areas for development cooperation.
President Nasheed thanked President Rajapaksa for accepting his invitation to visit the country, especially at a time when the country was facing political problems.
President Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka viewed Maldives “as a friend” and it was a “duty” to assist the Maldives in every possible way.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contact Information:: Send
mail to