Sri Lanka-Romania to expand bilateral cooperation

State Minister of Foreign Affairs Vasantha Senanayake has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to advance and consolidate the Sri Lanka- Romania bilateral relationship, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement.   

Senanayake visited Romania from 29 June-2 July for the second session of Sri Lanka-Romania bilateral political consultations. He reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further advance and consolidate its longstanding bilateral ties with Romania when he met the Romanian Secretary of State for Bilateral Global Affairs Monica Gheorghita on 29 June.  

This was the first official visit undertaken by Senanayake since he took over his new portfolio. 

Adding fresh momentum to Sri Lanka-Romania political relations that date back to 1957, the bilateral consultations were wide-ranging and substantive. The talks reviewed bilateral interests in the political, economic, educational, cultural, security, regional and multilateral spheres. 

The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in the sectors of power and energy, rural development, agriculture, health, finance and banking, tourism, education and labour. Specific areas included waste and water management, gem and jewellery promotion, locomotive rehabilitation and production, flight training aircraft, technical assistance for upgrading oil refineries, shipbuilding and ports, ayurveda and anti-corruption expertise to name a few. 

A cultural program featuring traditional Romanian and Sri Lankan music, dance and cuisine was proposed to be held in Bucharest and Brasov in Romania and Colombo and Kandy in Sri Lanka, in late 2017 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.  

The agreement between the Romanian Government and the Sri Lankan Government on Mutual Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic Passports was also signed.

Demonstrating the keenness on both sides to revitalise and expand bilateral trade and connectivity, a business forum was organised in Bucharest by the Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the oldest business chamber in Romania. The State Minister addressed the forum and highlighted the investment opportunities emerging for Romanian investors in Sri Lanka. He was accompanied by a Sri Lankan business delegation representing diverse business interests.  

While thanking the Romanian Government for the support extended through the European Union to restore the GSP+ trade facility to Sri Lanka,  Senanayake also provided a detailed overview of the Sri Lankan Government’s focus on restoring democracy, fostering reconciliation and ensuring economic development as peace dividends for all Sri Lankans. 

In response, Secretary of State Gheorghita welcomed the positive developments in Sri Lanka and reiterated her Government’s full support for the country’s reforms program, including it reaching out to the international community.