Archives

Cyprus agrees to continue provision of employment opportunities to Sri Lanka

President Tassos Papadopoulos assured Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando that despite its recent accession to the European Union, his country will continue to provide employment opportunities to Sri Lankan workers in Cyprus.

Referring to Sri Lanka's longstanding and close bilateral links with Cyprus the president emphasised that Cyprus will "not forget old friends who have stood by her, even while she is making new friends", a press release said.

The Cypriot President made these observations during an official visit by the Foreign Minister to the Republic of Cyprus from June 28. During his visit, Minister Fernando also had talks with the Cypriot Foreign Minister George Iocovou, and called on the Minister of Communication and Works Kyriakos Kazamias, the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance Makis N. Keravnos, and the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Yiorgos Lillikas. Minister Fernando congratulated President Papadopoulos and Foreign Minister Iacovou on the recent accession of Cyprus to the European Union.

Fernando also referred to the excellent bilateral relations existing between Sri Lanka and Cyprus being further strengthened through the Commonwealth and the Non-Aligned Movement, and referred to Sri Lanka's longstanding support to seek a negotiated solution to the problem faced by Cyprus within the framework of a united country.

On the trade front, Sri Lanka expressed interest in signing the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement with Cyprus, and discussed enhanced opportunities to export value added Sri Lankan tea and basic consumable to Cyprus.

The two countries also pledged to sign the Air Services Agreement within the next few months. The Minister of Communication and Works expressed the hope that the conclusion of this agreement will lead to an increase in tourist arrivals from Cyprus to Sri Lanka. Cyprus Airways is due to fly direct to Sri Lanka in the near future.

In his discussions with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Labour and Social Insurance, Minister Fernando expressed Sri Lanka's interest in the expanding labour relations between the two countries, there being currently and estimated 15,000 Sri Lankan workers employed in Cyprus.

www.crescat.com

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries

Produced by Lake House
Copyright © 2003 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager