Lanka, Bahrain ink several MoUs

Several Memoranda of Understanding were signed between Sri Lanka and Bahrain during the visit of Bahrain’s Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to Sri Lanka from July 28 to 30.

The Memoranda of Understanding were signed aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. MoU on Cooperation between the Foreign Ministries, MoU on Economic, Trade and Technical Cooperation, MoU on Tourism Cooperation, MoU on the Establishment of a Joint Business Council and MoU on Cooperation between the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the Federation of Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL). The two countries also initiated discussions towards finalizing an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement as well as an Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement to expand bilateral trade and investments.

On the invitation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain and accompanying delegation, visited Sri Lanka. The Bahraini Prime Minister and his delegation was received at the Bandaranaike International Airport by Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka and Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama.

Sri Lanka and Bahrain established diplomatic relations in 1992 and enjoy excellent relations in multi-faceted fields.

The official talks between the Bahrain Prime Minister and President Rajapaksa were held on July 29, 2009 at the Presidential Secretariat. There was a frank and open exchange of views on a range of issues, reflecting the traditionally close ties and common interests between the two countries.

Both sides agreed that this high level visit would open a new chapter in Sri Lanka-Bahrain ties and bring about new opportunities to further strengthen cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries.

They agreed that there should be increased exchange of high level visits between the two countries.

The Bahraini leader emphasized that such visits would greatly facilitate the identification of specific projects between Sri Lanka and Bahrain including in the field of investment, port development, and reconstruction as well as cooperation in the petroleum sector.

The Bahraini Prime Minister extended an invitation to President Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Wickramanayaka to visit Bahrain, which was accepted.

The Bahraini Premier was accompanied on this State Visit by Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mohamed Bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, and senior officials of Ministerial rank from the Prime Minister’s Court and officials of the Government of Bahrain and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry.