During the friendly and the cordial discussion, the two veteran leaders exchanged views on number of matters of mutual interest.

While appreciating each country’s support and the assistance to the other, they expressed satisfaction over continuous bilateral relations.

“Sri Lanka is our closest friend,” former President Gayoom said. “We have been living and working as good neighbors for a long time. I hope that this relationship will continue.”

Both leaders noted that undue influences by big powers continue to persist. “Money plays a major role in this exercise,” they observed.

Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of Higher Education Mr. S.B. Dissanayake, Monitoring MP of the Ministry of External Affairs Mr. Sajin de Vass Gunawardena, Secretary to the President Mr. Lalith Weeratunga and Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs Mrs. Kshenuka Senewiratne were present at the discussion.(KH/SI)