Aug 09, 2019 (LBO) – Sri Lanka is looking at the possibility of establishing direct flights to Cambodia and to enhance tourism and trade between the two countries.
President Maithripala Sirisena, who is on a state visit to Cambodia, held a meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Pakdei Techo HUN SEN yesterday and discussed the signing of an agreement on civil aviation.
The leaders also discussed the ways to enhance cooperation in the economic and trade sectors and the implementation of the educational and youth exchange programme.
Despite longstanding bilateral relations, the embassies of the two countries have not been established.
It was also discussed that action should be taken to expedite the process.
It was also discussed on inter-market opportunities and market advantages in between two countries. Pointing to the need for a legal basis for investment protection, President Sirisena said that his foreign policy is that no country should be affected by the actions of another country.
The discussion focused on the importance of strengthening ties between Cambodia and Sri Lanka. Cambodian Premier stated that distance between the two countries is a disadvantage for both countries.
President Sirisena stated that he would instruct the Ministry of External Affairs in Sri Lanka to take immediate steps to look into further improving diplomatic relations with Cambodia and establishing embassies.
Following the meeting with the leaders, two new MoUs were signed between Sri Lanka and Cambodia.
State Minister of External Affairs Wasantha Senanayake signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultation on behalf of Sri Lanka and the Foreign Secretary of Cambodia signed on behalf of Cambodia.
The Chambers of Commerce of the two countries signed an agreement to establish a National Council of Cambodia and Sri Lanka.