Arab News, Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Thul-Qidah 4, 1444
Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia expand bilateral cooperation to multiple sectors
Saudi Arabia:
Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka are broadening their political consultation and
expanding bilateral cooperation to over 60 areas, officials of both countries
have told Arab News after their first joint committee meeting.
A delegation of Sri Lankan officials was in Riyadh
over the weekend for the first session of the Saudi-Sri Lankan Joint Committee,
which was established to expand bilateral engagements.
The session was co-chaired by Saudi Vice Minister
for Human Resources Dr. Abdullah Abu Thunain and Tharaka Balasuriya, Sri Lanka’s
state minister for foreign affairs. “I am extremely pleased with our growing
bilateral relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Balasuriya told Arab
News.
“The recently concluded joint commission has
identified 63 areas for cooperation in various sectors.”
The two countries also signed a memorandum on
political consultations, marking a new step in bilateral relations.
“The MoU on political consultations provides
opportunities for discussions between our two foreign ministries periodically.
That will immensely help in the process of (enhancing) our relations,”
Balasuriya said.
“We are also pleased to witness the emergence of
the Kingdom as a leading player in the international arena.”
Envoys of both countries also welcomed the
expanded cooperation.
“The results of the meetings…will contribute to
enhancing cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment, work,
environment, education, culture, sports, agriculture and humanitarian work,”
Saudi Ambassador to Colombo Khalid bin Hamoud Al-Qahtani said.
“I am sure that this visit will help consolidate
the existing distinguished relations to a greater extent between the two
countries.”
Al-Qahtani added that the agreement on political
consultation was “an important achievement” in bilateral relations, while Sri
Lanka’s Ambassador to Riyadh Pakeer Mohideen Amza said it was “immensely
beneficial.”
“Political consultations facilitate the foreign
ministries of both countries to sit and discuss…matters of mutual interest,”
Amza told Arab News.
“Sri Lanka-Saudi Arabia relations have reached a
level of excellence and both countries are cooperating with each other in the
international fora.”