Muscat: Impressed by the time-tested foreign policy of the Sultanate, Sri Lanka said it has ambitious plans of enhancing bilateral relations with the latter which will further bond the ties between the two seafaring nations.
Speaking to the Observer on the eve of the 74th Independence Day of Sri Lanka, Omar Lebbe Ameer Ajwad, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Sultanate of Oman said the bilateral relations were highly solidified on people to people relation besides other diplomatic bonds.
“The relations between Sri Lanka and Oman are bound by long-standing historical relations underpinned by a vibrant tradition of people to people contacts and mutual respect. Both countries commemorated the 40th Anniversary of the establishment of Diplomatic Relations on 17th February 2021 by organising a special event at the Foreign Ministry of the Sultanate of Oman,” he said.
Additionally, a memorial logo on this significant occasion was also jointly issued by both countries. Foreign Ministers of the two countries exchanged congratulatory messages to mark this milestone in the history of bilateral relations by demonstrating their commitment to further consolidate the relations between the two friendly countries with renewed visions and vigor.
A number of initiatives in key areas of mutual interest including direct maritime connectivity were taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to him, all these steps have helped laying a strong foundation for the future cooperation between the two countries with a view to achieving another milestone in the bilateral relations in the years ahead.
“Oman and Sri Lanka implemented mutual visa exemption for diplomats, officials, service people and other special passport holders of both countries in order to facilitate smooth exchange of bilateral visits between the two countries. This arrangement has facilitated the exchange of bilateral political, diplomatic, economic, defence and other official level visits and engagements between the two countries.”
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) was virtually signed with a view to enhancing interactions between the private sector business communities in both countries. A virtual business forum with the participation of key Government Ministries and Agencies of both countries as well as private sector B2B sessions were also organised with the participation of around 100 private companies from both countries
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