Maldives affirms strong defense cooperation with Sri Lanka against global terrorism

Maldives has said it will strengthen defense cooperation with Sri Lanka and other countries in the region to tackle global terrorism.

This was stated by Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shaheed when he met Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Ranil Wickremsinghe last evening during his two-day visit to Colombo.

The Maldivian Minister said the cooperation is needed at a time global terrorism is taking place disregarding borders or religious teachings. His comments assume significance as there were few arrests of Maldivian nationals after Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka which killed 258 people including 45 foreigners.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister pointed out that there are many Maldivian living in areas of Colombo and added that some extremists are continuing with terror activities while consolidating their security among the residents in these areas.

The Prime Minister emphasized that it is important for the two countries to share the specialist knowledge on the matter to curb the situation.

Sri Lankan PM Wickremsinghe said the revolutionary upsurge of the Muslim youth is a trend in both Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Maldives has been a hotbed of IS ideology with over 100 people believed to have travelled abroad to join the fight for Islamic state.