UAE, Sri Lanka to strengthen trade and economic cooperation

Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State, has met with Sarath Weerasekera, Minister of Public Security of Sri Lanka, to discuss a number of issues of common concern.

During the meeting, which was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Abu Dhabi, the parties discussed bilateral relations between the UAE and Sri Lanka and ways to further boost friendship and cooperation ties across various sectors.

The two sides also reviewed means to enhance security, trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Al Sayegh praised Sri Lanka’s distinguished participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, stressing that this global event is an opportunity to discuss cooperation and build bridges of communication. He also welcomed the expected visit of the Sri Lankan Prime Minister to participate in the activities of his country’s National Day ceremony, which will be held at the Expo.

For his part, the Sri Lankan Minister expressed his admiration for Expo 2020 Dubai, and congratulated the UAE for the remarkable organisation of this global event. He also praised the distinguished bilateral relations, expressing his hope to strengthen this cooperation in various fields and continuity of development for the benefit of the two friendly countries.

Earlier on Dec.4, Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, met with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka at Expo 2020 Dubai.

During the meeting, Sheikh Maktoum welcomed Rajapaksa and discussed with him ways of enhancing bilateral cooperation between the UAE and Sri Lanka in various fields including economy, culture and tourism.

President Rajapaksa congratulated the UAE on its 50th National Day and stressed Sri Lanka’s keenness to further enhance bilateral relations with the UAE in various sectors for the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai; Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy; Ahmed Bin Ali Al Sayegh, UAE Minister of State; and Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World.

During his visit to the Sri Lanka Pavilion, located in the ‘Opportunity District’, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid was briefed on Sri Lanka’s developmental efforts in various social and economic sectors, as well as in the cultural field.

The Sri Lanka Pavilion showcases the country’s advancements in the fields of telecommunications, information technology, and research. It also promotes Sri Lanka as a tourist destination and showcases innovative products and services that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the country.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid also visited the Nigeria Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, where he met with President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria. During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed discussed with President Buhari ways of boosting cooperation with Nigeria for the benefit of the peoples of both countries.

Highlighting the distinguished relations between the UAE and Nigeria, the Nigerian President expressed his pleasure to be visiting the UAE. HE Buhari stressed his country’s keenness to advance cooperation between the two countries in various fields, including trade and investment.

During his visit to the Nigeria Pavilion, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on the creative industries and the diverse cultural history of Nigeria’s various states as well as the country’s future projects.

Accompanying Sheikh Mohammed on his tour were Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee; and Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Meanwhile facing a reduction in foreign inflows, and an acute forex shortage, Sri Lanka’s foreign minister G L Peiris has discussed cooperation in energy security, enhanced employment opportunities and increasing investment with the UAE.

Peiris held the discussions with the UAE’s Minister of Foreign Relations and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the 5th Indian Ocean Conference held in Abu Dhabi.

“Minister Prof Peiris briefed the Foreign Minister on the country’s situation with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic and the successful measures being implemented by the Government of Sri Lanka to control the spread of the virus,” Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

“Among the other topics discussed by the two Foreign Ministers were cooperation in the energy sector, enhanced employment opportunities for Sri Lankans in the UAE and increasing the volumes of investment by the UAE.”