Maldivian Parliament Speaker Mohamed Aslam, on Tuesday, held discussions with the Sri Lankan Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena on resuming training and exchange programs for parliament staff of both nations.

Maldivian Parliament, in a statement on Tuesday, said Speaker Aslam met with Sri Lankan Speaker Abeywardena as part of his ongoing official visit to Sri Lanka at the invitation of the latter.

During this meeting, the Maldivian Parliament said Speaker Aslam thanked Speaker Abeywardena for his invitation and highlighted the enduring friendship between the two countries.

The Maldivian Parliament also said both speakers expressed interest in continuing the training and exchange programs for staff of both parliament secretariates which have been halted over the COVID-19 pandemic during Tuesday’s meeting.

The Maldivian Parliament further said Speaker Abeywardena also spoke highly of the historical and strong diplomatic relations between both nations and legislatures and ensured that changes in administrations will not affect these relations.

During the meeting, Speaker Aslam extended an invitation to Speaker Abeywardena to visit the Maldives.

In his ongoing visit to Sri Lanka, Speaker Aslam has also met with Sri Lanka’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, the current Acting Foreign Minister as per the Maldivian Parliament, during which both parties highlighted the strong diplomatic relations between both countries and explored avenues of further cooperation and collaboration that will benefit both the countries.