Foreign Minister Ali Sabry during his visit to Stockholm to participate in the 2nd EU – Indo Pacific Forum, had cordial bilateral discussions with his Swedish counterpart Tobias Billström, committing to strengthen engagement in all spheres of the bilateral relationship.
While recalling the decades-old, multi-faceted, partnership between the two countries and peoples, the two ministers agreed to suitably commemorate in 2024, the 75th Anniversary of diplomatic relations, which were established in 1949.
Ministers Sabry and Billström discussed all areas which straddle the long-standing engagement, including in the political, economic, development spheres.
The two ministers placed strong emphasis on economic cooperation between the two countries, and agreed to work together in several areas, including investment, trade, IT, climate and environment.
Foreign Minister Sabry briefed his Swedish counterpart on the trajectory of the economic recovery, following the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) with the IMF. He appreciated Swedish support within the Paris Club, during the IMF negotiations with Sri Lanka.
Discussions on the economic relations focused on improving trade, diversifying production bases for Swedish supply chains, further enhancing business linkages in the IT sector, manufacturing, tourism, and investment particularly taking into account Sri Lanka’s strategic location and the emergence of the financial hub within the Colombo Port City. He also spoke of the opportunities for diversification of supply sources for Swedish and global supply chains.
The Sri Lankan Minister also briefed the Swedish side on the progressmade in the reconciliation process, including the significant steps taken on judicial and legislative reform, release of land and highlighted the importance of economic advancement, and livelihood sustenance in the process. Discussions also focused on early the convening of the bilateral political consultations.
The two Ministers also exchanged views on international developments, including their impact on economic stability and progress in different parts of the world.
At the second EU-Indo Pacific Ministerial Forum Minister Sabry co-moderated the 1st roundtable discussion on “Building more sustainable & inclusive prosperity together” and will continue his bilateral consultations with several other visiting European and Asian countries on the sidelines of the main forum.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Stockholm
14 May 2023
