Sri Lanka, Maldives discuss deriving maximum benefits from marine resources

Thursday, 11 September 2014 00:51 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka and Maldives discussed practical strategies to derive maximum benefit from the evolving concept of the blue ocean with proper management of the exploitation of marine resources when the Joint Commission of Sri Lanka and Maldives met Wednesday in Colombo. The right of passage for Sri Lankan fishermen through Maldivian waters as a means of access to the high seas was among the matters taken up by Minister of External Affairs Professor G.L. Peiris with his Maldivian counterpart Dunya Maumoon.

South-South cooperation, especially in respect of value addition, through canning, filleting and other forms of processing of fisheries products, so as to ensure optimal benefits from exports, received were emphasised during the discussion. The two delegations also focused on the matters connected with shipping, disaster management and research in diverse fields of oceanography. Progress among Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives in a tripartite partnership at National Security Adviser Level in respect of ocean security was surveyed. Minister Peiris expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the observation by the Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen, as current Chair of SAARC, at the inauguration of the last SAARC Summit, that all SAARC countries should raise their collective voice against any unfair treatment meted out to any of the member countries from an outside quarter. Economic cooperation, tourism, youth and skills development, employment, collaboration in the fields of health and higher education, as well as consular and community issues were also discussed. The Maldivian delegation expressed complete satisfaction with the quality of the relationship at the political level, and made plans for enhancing economic cooperation in the future.