President Mahinda Rajapaksa has extended an invitation to the newly-elected President of Maldives Yameen Abdul Gayoom, to visit Sri Lanka.

Yameen, the half-brother of former long-time president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, won the presidential run-off on Nov 16. The Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) leader is Maldives’ sixth president.

The letter of invitation was delivered to President Yameen during a courtesy call by the Sri Lankan High Commissioner Dickson Sarathchandra Dela.

Accepting the invitation, President Yameen noted that warm and friendly relations have long characterised the bilateral relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka. He expressed confidence that his visit would further expand the close ties between the two countries.

The President and the High Commissioner further exchanged views on widening the scope of cooperation between the two countries, especially in the areas of health, education and security.

Speaking at the meeting, the Sri Lankan High Commissioner said that Sri Lanka would always be a close friend of the Maldives and expressed keenness to work closely with the Government of Maldives.

The High Commissioner also praised the smooth and peaceful manner in which the presidential election was held in the Maldives.

President Yameen was joined at the call by Minister at the President’s Office, Hon. Abdulla Ameen and the Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Ali Naseer Mohamed.