The Foreign Ministers of both the Maldives and Sri Lanka have discussed on engaging in collaborative efforts to combat illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing activities in the countries EEZs and beyond.
The discussions took place during Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer’s visit to his Sri Lankan counterpart Ali Sabry on Wednesday.
In a statement from the Maldives Foreign Affairs Ministry, Minister Zameer said the two countries have talked about taking extra measures against illegal fisheries activities since the Maldives and Sri Lanka are “greatly dependent on fishing”.
Zameer also said the Maldives is pleased to offer transfer of knowledge on sustainable pole and line fishing to Sri Lankan fishers.
Besides this, the two ministers also spoke on a wide array of mutually cooperative, beneficial areas including economy and trade, education and tourism, employment, legal and law enforcement, and regional and multilateral cooperation.
Sri Lanka also re-affirmed the terms of the Maldives-Sri Lanka bilateral agreement on short-term visit visa of up to 90 days for the nationals of both countries, and providing concessional terms for resident student visas.
Additionally, the two ministers spoke about the conclusion of the agreements on the avoidance of double taxation and the promotion and protection of investments between the two countries aimed at facilitating trade and reducing economic burden and risks.