The Maldives was prepared to do "anything under the sun" for Sri Lanka, President Mohammed Nasheed said yesterday.

 Speaking to The Island, after declaring open the Maldives Construction Fair 2009 in Male, he said that the Maldives considers Sri Lanka to be a true friend and was prepared to go any length, in strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation.

 Asked, if the Maldives was pursuing a Free Trade Agreement with Sri Lanka, he replied "we are open to anything under the sun."

 Nasheed, said that his government has thrown open its doors to foreign investors, so that an ambitious development programme that has been set in motion, could be speedily completed. 

 Funding, he said would also be secured through bilateral and multilateral agreements. "Eight international companies have confirmed their interest in developing our transport system. There is room for many more."