Maldives to seek to import oil through Sri Lanka at cheaper prices

Friday, August 24th, 2012

President’s Office has revealed that the President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik in his official visit to Sri Lanka held discussions with the Sri Lankan government on importing oil through Sri Lanka at cheaper prices and to promote the tourism industry of both countries under a joint plan.

Informing this to the media, the Press Secretary of the President’s Office Masood Imad said that President Dr. Waheed discussed with his Sri Lankan counterpart to expand bilateral cooperation in the development of the tourism industry and explored the possibility of creating more opportunities to provide training sessions and counselling services for the Maldivian Defence Force in Sri Lanka.

According to Daily News, the President requested Sri Lanka’s continued assistance in maritime security, strengthening coast guard activities, marine engineering and in the training of air traffic control personnel. And he expressed that the close ties between the two countries in areas such as tourism, health, fisheries, and youth affairs would continue to grow.

In this regard, the President expressed thanks to the contribution of Sri Lankan teachers in building the human resource base in Maldives. Daily News also reported that President Dr. Waheed extended an invitation to Sri Lanka to participate in forthcoming coastguard exercises, which would be a unique demonstration of cooperation among Sri Lanka, India and Maldives.

In view of the transfer of power of February 7, President Rajapaksa noted that the Sri Lankan government believes that political transition and changes should not harm the peace, prosperity and stability in a country. He expressed hopes to see Maldives as a stable and prosperous country and told President Dr. Waheed that the blessings of the Sri Lankan people are with him.

Before his departure to Sri Lanka President Waheed has told Maldivian media that Sri Lankan leaders have always been compassionate towards the Maldives and that he gets direct suggestions forwarded to him from them.

President Dr Waheed and First Lady Madam Ilham Hussain arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday morning, on a three day official visit, on the invitation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, the President and First Lady was received by Sri Lanka’s Minister of External Affairs, Professor G.L. Peiris, Senior officials of the Sri Lankan Government, Maldivian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Mr Hussain Shihab other officials of the High Commission.

Official welcoming ceremony for the President was held in front of the Presidential Secretariat, yesterday afternoon. After the official welcoming ceremony, President Waheed met with President Rajapaksa and held official talks between the Maldives and Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan President hosted a state banquet in the honour of President Waheed yesterday evening.

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