President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Sri Lanka and President Dr Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives have pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation as the two nations marked 61 years of diplomatic relations with the signing of seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) spanning defence, tourism, education, sports, health, and institutional cooperation.

The agreements were exchanged at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo during President Muizzu’s State visit, which both leaders described as the beginning of a “new phase” in relations between the two Indian Ocean neighbours.

Economic integration emerged as a key priority. President Dissanayake invited Maldivian investors to explore opportunities in information technology, artificial intelligence, fisheries, agro-processing, tourism, real estate, and urban infrastructure. President Muizzu meanwhile revealed that the Maldives is exploring the possibility of establishing a presence for the Bank of Maldives in Sri Lanka, alongside plans to introduce premium Maldivian fisheries products to the Sri Lankan market.

The two nations also highlighted the strategic importance of maritime security and counter-terrorism cooperation, reaffirming commitments to regional stability in the Indian Ocean. Climate resilience and environmental collaboration were additional focal points, with both leaders calling for stronger global climate action for vulnerable island nations.

Tourism collaboration is also expected to accelerate, particularly through twin-destination travel packages and stronger transport connectivity between the two countries. A reciprocal land allocation for High Commissions in Colombo and Malé further underscored the long-term institutional commitment between the nations.