January 20, Colombo (LNW): Australia has reiterated its willingness to assist Sri Lanka in strengthening food security while also endorsing the country’s bid to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world’s largest free trade grouping.
The assurance was given during talks between Australian High Commissioner Matthew Duckworth and Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe.
The discussions focused on areas of cooperation that are of strategic importance to Sri Lanka, particularly in safeguarding food supplies and building resilient agricultural and distribution systems.
High Commissioner Duckworth подчеркed Australia’s interest in working closely with Sri Lankan authorities to bolster food security, describing it as a critical national priority.
He also confirmed Australia’s backing for Sri Lanka’s efforts to accede to RCEP, a move seen as key to expanding trade links and integrating more deeply into regional supply chains.
RCEP brings together 15 economies across the Asia-Pacific, including Australia, China, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand, and accounts for roughly a third of global economic output and population.
The meeting also touched on the recent impact of Cyclone Ditwah, with both sides exchanging views on the disaster situation and the importance of cooperation in recovery and resilience-building efforts.
