No talks on Maldives-Sri Lanka duty-free zone, Saeed says

Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has stated that the Maldives is not engaged in discussions with Sri Lanka to establish a commercial duty-free zone.

His comments come amid reports in Sri Lankan media suggesting that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is expected to visit the Maldives next month, would explore proposals for a joint Free Economic and Free Movement Zone. The visit is scheduled to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

According to reports, the proposed agreement would allow citizens of both countries to work, conduct business, purchase property, and study in each other’s country without a visa.

However, Minister Saeed, in a post on X, said that no such proposal had been considered or discussed. He described reports of a proposed duty-free zone between the two countries as inaccurate.

The government of Maldives has yet to officially announce the visit. Media outlets in Sri Lanka have quoted the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as saying that President Dissanayake’s visit will commemorate 60 years since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Diplomatic ties between the Maldives and Sri Lanka were established on 29 July 1965, three days after the Maldives gained independence.

This will be President Dissanayake’s first visit to the Maldives since assuming office. During his visit, he is expected to hold discussions on enhancing economic, trade, and foreign relations between the two countries.