The first session of the Saudi-Sri Lankan committee was concluded under the presence of the Vice Minister of Human Resources and Social Development for Labor Dr. Abdullah Abuthnain, as the head of the Saudi side, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Tharaka Balasuriya, as the head of the Sri Lankan side, in the presence of Saudi Ambassador to Sri Lanka Khaled Al-Qahtani, and Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pakeer Mohideen Amza. Government officials and businessmen from both sides also attended the committee meetings.
The Saudi and Sri Lankan delegations reached an agreement to strengthen bilateral cooperation across multiple areas following the successful completion of 65 items spanning 20 diverse fields. These fields include security, judiciary, labour, trade, industry, investment, energy, finance, economy, transportation, communications, agriculture, education, health, sports, culture, tourism, religious affairs, media, and humanitarian work.
During his closing remarks, Dr. Abuthnain commended the efforts made by both sides during the sub-committee meetings, which laid a solid foundation for joint cooperation between the two countries. He expressed gratitude to Balasuriya for his significant contributions to the success of the committee and conveyed the Saudi delegation's enthusiasm for the second session to be held in Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka.
In his closing remarks, Balasuriya expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the warm hospitality extended to the Sri Lankan delegation during their stay in Riyadh. He emphasized the importance of continued efforts and cooperation from both sides to implement the recommendations of the joint committee and build upon them during the second joint committee meeting in Sri Lanka.
After the session, both sides signed the minutes of the joint committee meetings and emphasized the importance of following up on the recommendations to strengthen bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual importance.
The committee commenced its work on Sunday, May 21, 2023, with a series of workshops aimed at strengthening ties and fulfilling the aspirations of the people, leaders, and governments of both nations.
Source: Saudi Press Agency