Sri Lanka and Cambodia sign two agreements to enhance bilateral ties

President Maithripala Sirisena, who is on a state visit to Cambodia, held bilateral discussions with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Thursday.

President Sirisena was accorded a grand welcome on his arrival at the Peace Palace by the Prime Minister of Cambodia.

The Prime Minister recalled the strong religious and cultural ties between the two countries since ancient times, and the two leaders discussed ways to enhance tourism and trade between the two countries.

Attention was also drawn towards the possibility of establishing direct flights between Colombo and Phnom Penh. The leaders discussed signing of an agreement on civil aviation and on enhancing cooperation in the economic and trade sectors and the implementation of an educational and youth exchange program.

Despite longstanding bilateral relations, the embassies of the two countries have not been established. It was also discussed that action should be taken to expedite the process.

It was also discussed on inter-market opportunities and market advantages between the two countries. Pointing to the need for a legal basis for investment protection, President Sirisena said that his foreign policy is that no country should be affected by the actions of another country.

The discussion focused on the importance of strengthening ties between Cambodia and Sri Lanka. Cambodian Premier Hun Sen stated that distance between the two countries is a disadvantage for both countries.

President Sirisena stated that he would instruct the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sri Lanka to take immediate steps to look into further improving diplomatic relations with Cambodia and establishing embassies.

The Cambodian Prime Minister thanked the President for the facilities provided to the large number of Cambodian student Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka. Also he pointed out the possibility of strengthening relations between the two countries with a similar religious and cultural background.

The Cambodian Prime Minister also expressed his condolences over the terrorist attack that Sri Lanka faced on 21 April.

Following the meeting with the leaders, two new MoUs were signed between Sri Lanka and Cambodia.

State Minister of External Affairs Wasantha Senanayake signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultation on behalf of Sri Lanka and the Foreign Secretary of Cambodia signed on behalf of the Government of Cambodia.

The Chambers of Commerce of the two countries signed an agreement to establish a National Council of Cambodia and Sri Lanka.

President Maithripala Sirisena also met Cambodia’s King Boronmeath Norodom Sihamoni yesterday. The President, who visited the Cambodian Palace, was accorded a very warm welcome. A proud and colourful ceremony was organised to welcome the President.

During the bilateral talks that followed, the Cambodian King said that Cambodia stands firmly together with Sri Lanka in further cementing bilateral relations in economic, trade, social as well as the renaissance of Buddhism.

Both leaders discussed at length on carrying forward, via a new approach, the existing relations on many fields, including education, tourism and industries so that both countries would be benefitted.

The President expressed his thanks to the Cambodian King for the invitation extended to him to tour the Cambodian state, marking a significant juncture in the friendship existing between Sri Lanka and Cambodia.