New EU Ambassador assures EU’s commitment to support Sri Lankan government’s reform agenda

The new Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Tung-Laï Margue today assured the EU’s commitment to support the Sri Lankan government’s plans for reconciliation, economic development and social progress.

The new Ambassador presented his credentials to President Maithripala Sirisena at the President’s House on Friday, 14 October. Ambassador Margue assumed duties as Head of Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives on 11 September 2016.

Following his accreditation Ambassador Margue said the European countries are amazed at the rapid progress made by Sri Lanka under the new government during a very short period.

“Sri Lanka and the EU have strengthened ties, particularly over the last year, through a number of constructive engagements at a bilateral level and at multilateral fora. The EU remains committed to supporting the government’s reform agenda and I look forward to increasing our cooperation.”

President Sirisena, referring to close bilateral relations with Sri Lanka and the EU member countries expressed confidence that the new envoy would strive to further strengthen bilateral friendship and cooperation in many areas including strengthening of democracy, reconciliation, trade and investment.

The President also recalled the close economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and European Union and thanked EU for lifting the fish import ban. “Now we are in a position to send more and more fish to Europe,” he said.

President Sirisena also expressed hope that the EU would restore the GSP Plus concession to Sri Lanka so that Sri Lanka could increase exports of goods, especially garments. He pointed out that the garment industry is very important to the Sri Lankan economy.

Ambassador Margue said he visited the Export Fair held in Colombo yesterday and that he was highly impressed with the range of products Sri Lanka offers for the export market.

He said that he fell in love with Sri Lanka when he spent a holiday here with his wife two years ago and he was very happy to come back as EU Ambassador to strengthen relations between the European Union and “this beautiful country.”

Ambassador Margue is from Luxembourg and has been a European Commission (EC) official since 1979. His work has covered EU Delegations in the African, Middle Eastern and Asian regions. He has represented the EU as lead negotiator in several fora, including at the UN, the G8 and the Kimberley Process.

In his most recent position prior to taking up his post as Ambassador, Margue was responsible for the Foreign Policy Instruments Service, under the authority of EU High Representative Federica Mogherini.

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, Secretary to the President P B Abeykoon and Foreign Secretary Esala Weerakoon were also present at the occasion.