COLOMBO : The first session of the Sri Lanka-Saudi Arabia Joint Commission established under framework agreement signed between the two countries commenced on Sunday, May 20 in Riyadh.
The two-day meeting was co chaired by Sri Lanka State Minister for Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya and Saudi Vice Minister for Human Resources and Social Development Dr Abdullah Abu Thunain
Several areas related to Sri Lanka-Saudi Arabia relations ranging from trade, economics, environment, investment, , culture, foreign employment, energy, finance, transport, communications, agriculture, education, sports, humanitarian work, judicial cooperation and security cooperation will be discussed during the two days session today and tomorrow.
Speaking at the session the State Minister Balasuriya said the Joint Commission occurs at a time when the relationship between the two countries is at an excellent shape. He also recalled his last visit in March 2022 when he took part in a number of meetings.
He also congratulated the Kingdom for evacuating thousands of civilians from over 100 countries from the Republic of the Sudan. He thanked the Saudi government for including 32 Sri Lankans in the evacuation process.
“At a time the relations between the two countries are taking excellent shape holding this session is timely. This session while facilitating further enhancement in our relations in several sectors and areas will hopefully boost opportunities for investment and diversification of our economic and employment opportunities. We thank the Kingdom for hosting the first session during which the entire gamut of our relations will be viewed, discussed and enhanced “. said the island’ s ambassador to the Kingdom Pakeer Mohideen Amza.
Saudi Ambassador in Colombo, Khalid bin Hamoud Nasser Aldasam Alkahtani was also present during the discussions.
The Sri Lankan delegation included a team of businessmen from various sectors and they are expected to meet the officials of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry and their respective counterparts from May 24.
