Events

Belarus, Sri Lanka aim to expand interparliamentary cooperation

MINSK, 14 May (BelTA) - Belarus and Sri Lanka intend to intensify interparliamentary cooperation. The matter was discussed during a meeting between Natalya Kochanova, Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus, and Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism of Sri Lanka in Minsk on 14 May, BelTA has learned.

Also on the agenda were cooperation in trade, logistics, tourism development, educational services, and other areas. The meeting is particularly important given Belarus’ interest in expanding cooperation with far-arc countries.

“Sri Lanka is a reliable partner for us. Despite the geographical distance, our countries have built good, friendly relations. This is primarily thanks to our leaders. Our countries share similar views, and we support each other on international platforms,” Natalya Kochanova said.

The chairperson expressed confidence that the visit would give additional momentum to bilateral cooperation. Several agreements have already been signed.

“The parliamentary dimension is very important to us. We are truly glad to see that a friendship group with Belarus has been established in the Parliament of Sri Lanka. A group for cooperation with South Asian countries has been established in the National Assembly of Belarus,” Natalya Kochanova added, sending warmest wishes to her colleagues and emphasizing that Belarus looks forward to an official visit from the speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

The parties are also ready to facilitate an increase in trade. Belarus is one of the world’s largest suppliers of potash fertilizers. Agricultural machinery and food products are also in demand. Tourism is one of the key areas. Cooperation in education is also developing.

“We are interested in cooperation between regions and public organizations,” said Natalya Kochanova, inviting the Sri Lankan delegation to participate in the forum “A Conversation About What Matters: A Happy Family - A Strong State”.

Vijitha Herath thanked the hosts for their hospitality and noted that this was his first visit to Belarus. He said it opens a new chapter in bilateral relations. Last year marked the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. “This symbolizes that our friendship is growing stronger. We will continue to strengthen it,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism of Sri Lanka.

Sergei Aleinik, Chairman of the Standing Commission on International Affairs and National Security of the Council of the Republic, summing up the meeting, said that a wide range of bilateral cooperation issues were discussed. The cooperation is developing positively, spanning areas from education and tourism to collaboration through public organizations.

“We touched upon the further development of the legal framework. The development of a roadmap for bilateral cooperation is on the agenda. We are interested in further expanding and deepening the legal framework, which will create a legal basis for cooperation in many areas. Considerable attention was paid to economic cooperation - the foundation of any relationship. Bilateral trade has gained considerable momentum over the past year - it doubled in both goods and services. We expect this momentum to continue and perhaps even accelerate in the near future,” Sergei Aleinik said. Photos by Nikolai Petrov