President says Maldives and Sri Lanka must work together to keep the Indian Ocean safe and opportunity‑rich

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said on Monday evening that Sri Lanka and Maldives must work together to ensure the Indian Ocean remains a safe, stable and opportunity‑rich region for all who live around it.

He made the remarks at an official dinner hosted by the Sri Lankan government during his ongoing visit to the country.

Highlighting the long‑standing ties between the two nations, the President said the Indian Ocean should not be seen as a boundary separating Maldives and Sri Lanka, but as a shared space that connects their histories, cultures and people.

“[The relationship between the two countries is] our greatest strength. It is to make the Indian Ocean a safe and prosperous sea for all living in the region,” he said.

President Muizzu said Maldives and Sri Lanka are “two close neighbours like one family,” and that the relationship is built on centuries of genuine respect rather than temporary interests.

ރައީސުލްޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާގެ ޝަރަފުގައި ސްރީލަންކާގެ ރައީސް ދެއްވި ރަސްމީ ޖާފަތުގައި ރައީސުލްޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާގެ ދެކަނބަލުން ބައިވެރިވެވަޑައިގަތުން#MaldivesSriLanka pic.twitter.com/9rir6rPqcc

— The President's Office (@presidencymv) May 4, 2026

According to the official press release, the President also underscored the importance of maritime security cooperation, economic partnership, and collaboration in areas such as trade, tourism, health, education and climate resilience. He said both countries stand to benefit from working together to expand opportunities in the blue economy and to ensure that the Indian Ocean remains peaceful and free from threats.

He further noted that Maldives attaches great importance to strengthening ties with Sri Lanka in a manner that supports regional stability and shared prosperity.

The President is accompanied on the visit by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and a high‑level government delegation.

He thanked the Sri Lankan President, government and people for the warm hospitality extended to the Maldivian delegation.