July 02, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka and Kazakhstan have held high-level discussions aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation, with energy security, trade, tourism and diplomatic engagement emerging as key areas of focus.
The talks took place at the Ministry of Ports, Civil Aviation and Energy between Minister Anura Karunatilleke and Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Sergey Viktorov, as both countries explored ways to deepen economic and strategic ties.
A major topic of discussion was energy cooperation, with Kazakhstan signalling its willingness to assist Sri Lanka in meeting its refined fuel requirements. As one of Central Asia’s leading exporters of oil, natural gas and mineral resources, Kazakhstan expressed interest in strengthening collaboration in the energy sector, particularly in supporting Sri Lanka’s fuel supply needs.
The two sides also acknowledged that bilateral trade remains below its potential. While Sri Lankan tea continues to enjoy demand in Kazakhstan, both countries agreed that there is considerable scope to broaden commercial relations by exploring new areas of investment and trade.
Tourism was another priority during the meeting. Officials noted that more than 11,000 travellers from Kazakhstan visited Sri Lanka last year and discussed measures to further boost visitor numbers. Among the proposals considered was the expansion of Air Astana’s seasonal flights into a year-round service, a move expected to improve connectivity and encourage greater tourist traffic between the two countries.
Minister Karunatilleke welcomed the proposal, stating that discussions with the relevant aviation and tourism authorities could begin once a formal request is submitted by the Kazakh side.
The meeting also underscored the importance of strengthening diplomatic relations. Ambassador Viktorov expressed appreciation for the support extended by the Sri Lankan Government following the opening of Kazakhstan’s first resident embassy in Colombo in July 2025, describing it as a significant step in enhancing bilateral cooperation.
For his part, Minister Karunatilleke reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s intention to establish a diplomatic mission in Astana, noting that such a move would not only deepen relations with Kazakhstan but also strengthen Sri Lanka’s engagement with the wider Central Asian region.
Several senior officials, including Additional Secretary V. Jagatheesan, were also present at the discussions, which concluded with both sides expressing optimism about expanding cooperation across multiple sectors in the years ahead.