April 17, Colombo (LNW):The first-ever Sri Lanka-Kyrgyz Republic Foreign Office consultations were held successfully in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, on Monday, April 15, marking a significant step towards strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane and Kyrgyz Deputy Foreign Minister Avazbek Atakhanov co-chaired the event.
Initiated as part of Sri Lanka’s broader strategy to forge stronger relations with Central Asian countries, the consultations led to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Bilateral Cooperation, further solidifying the diplomatic bond established since 1996.
The talks focused on expanding economic collaboration across various sectors, including apparel, gems and jewellery, tea, food and beverages, wellness and ayurvedic products, education services, and information and communications technology (ICT). Both nations also explored ways to boost tourism and enhance people-to-people connections, which are pivotal for cultural and social integration.
Additionally, discussions covered cooperation in multilateral and regional forums, developments in each region, and pressing global issues, reflecting a comprehensive agenda aimed at mutual benefit.
In a parallel meeting, Foreign Secretary Wijewardane engaged with the Vice President and members of the Kyrgyz Chambers of Commerce, agreeing to hold a virtual inaugural meeting between the commerce bodies of both countries to foster trade and investment links.
