Conclusion of the 1st Session of The Saudi-Sri Lankan Joint Committee which aims to increase bilateral cooperation

Today, May 22nd , 2023, the first session of the Saudi-Sri Lankan committee was concluded under the presence of His Excellency the vice Minister of Human Resources and Social Development for Labor Dr. Abdullah Abuthnain, as the head of the Saudi side, and His Excellency the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Tharaka Balasuriya, as the head of the Sri Lankan side, in the presence of H.E. Saudi ambassador to Sri Lanka Mr. Khaled Al Qahtani, and H.E. Sri Lankan ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mr. Pakeer Mohideen Amza. The committee meetings also included government officials and businessmen from both sides.

The Saudi and Sri Lankan sides agreed on strengthening bilateral cooperation in multiple aspects after the successful completion of (65) items, spanning across (20) diverse areas including security, judiciary, labor, trade, industry, investment, energy, finance, economy, transportation, communications, agriculture, education, health, sports, culture, tourism, religious affairs, media, and humanitarian work.

In his closing remarks, H.E. Dr. Abuthanain praised the efforts from both sides during yesterday’s sub-committees meetings, which paved a productive path towards the joint cooperation between the two countries. He also thanked H.E. Mr. Balasuriya for his amazing efforts that contributed greatly to the success of this committee, and expressed the Saudi side’s eagerness for the 2nd session that will be held in the capital city of Colombo.

In his closing remarks, H.E. Mr. Balasuriya thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the hospitality the Sri-Lankan delegates received during their time in Riyadh, and emphasized the importance of continuing the efforts and cooperation from both sides in order to implement the recommendations of the joint committee and build on these efforts during the 2nd joint committee in Sri Lanka. 

At the conclusion of the session, both sides signed the minutes of the joint committee meetings, and stressed the importance of following up on the recommendations to ensure strengthening bilateral cooperation in all aspects of importance to both sides.

The committee commenced its work on Sunday May 21st 2023, with a number of workshops with the aim to reinforce the ties and achieve the aspiration of the people, leaders and governments of both nations.

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