South - South co-operation, 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 emphasized during the discussion between Minister of External Affairs Professor G.L. Peiris with his Maldivian counterpart Dunya Maumoon on Wednesday.

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 co-operation, 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 co-operation in the future. (PRIU)