By: Isuru Parakrama
October 21, Colombo (LNW): As Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka commemorate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, Saudi Ambassador Khalid Hamoud Alkahtani has shed light on the depth of bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
Established in 1974, these relations have evolved over the decades, with the two countries forging closer ties in areas ranging from trade and investment to education and labour.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Mirror, Ambassador Alkahtani underscored that the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka is based on mutual respect and long-standing collaboration across various sectors.
Today, over 200,000 Sri Lankans are employed in the Kingdom, a number expected to rise as Saudi Arabia embarks on its ambitious “Vision 2030” project, which has opened up further opportunities in construction, healthcare, and hospitality.
The Saudi envoy also expressed confidence in increasing employment prospects for Sri Lankans as both nations continue to work together through various technical committees.
Reflecting on key milestones, Ambassador Alkahtani highlighted several important agreements that have been signed between the two countries over the years.
These include the Air Transport Agreement of 1991 and the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement signed in 2023, alongside a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Promotion of Direct Investment in 2024.
Such agreements are pivotal in fostering greater economic collaboration, and further deals in the realms of trade, investment, and environmental protection are currently under review.
The ambassador praised the ongoing official exchanges between senior representatives of both nations, noting how high-level visits have significantly contributed to deepening bilateral ties.
Notable visits included those of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, and Vice Minister Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al Khuraiji, both of whom held discussions with key Sri Lankan officials.
In turn, Sri Lankan officials, including the former Minister of Labour, Manusha Nanayakkara, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry, have visited Saudi Arabia to explore further avenues for cooperation.
One of the central pillars of Saudi-Sri Lankan cooperation has been the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD). Through this fund, Saudi Arabia has provided substantial financial aid for various development projects in Sri Lanka, focusing on education, infrastructure, and humanitarian work.
Current projects, such as the establishment of a medical faculty at the University of Sabragamuwa and the construction of housing for those affected by the tsunami, exemplify the Kingdom’s commitment to aiding Sri Lanka’s development.
Additionally, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has contributed to ongoing humanitarian efforts in the country, particularly during Sri Lanka’s recent economic difficulties.
Looking ahead, the ambassador expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations. He reaffirmed the Kingdom’s support for Sri Lanka and outlined areas for further cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, and political consultations.
With Saudi Arabia’s “Vision 2030” driving significant changes within the Kingdom, both nations stand poised to strengthen their ties in ways that will benefit their respective economies and people.
