AUCKLAND ; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath arrived in New Zealand this week on an official visit, marking the first visit by a Sri Lankan Foreign Minister to the country since 2014.
During the visit, Minister Herath was formally welcomed with a traditional Māori “Pōwhiri” ceremony at New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He also officially opened the first-ever Sri Lankan High Commission in Wellington, following the establishment of the New Zealand High Commission in Sri Lanka in 2021.
Minister Herath held bilateral discussions with New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, education, tourism and sports. Both countries also announced plans to negotiate a bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA).
New Zealand Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay welcomed the initiative, highlighting its potential to expand trade opportunities between the two nations.
During the visit, Minister Herath also met with Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament Gerry Brownlee and Minister of Sport and Recreation Mark Mitchell to discuss future cooperation in parliamentary affairs, cricket, rugby and training opportunities for Sri Lankans.
