Sri Lanka and Czech Republic:

'Historical relations, good foundation for bilateral cooperation'

The historical relations between Czech Republic and Sri Lanka is a good foundation to build upon in strengthening bilateral cooperation, External Affairs Deputy Minister Neomal Perera said.

The Deputy Minister said so when Sri Lanka and the Czech Republic held the second Foreign Office consultations at the level of Deputy Ministers at the External Affairs Ministry on Thursday, June 2. External Affairs Deputy Minister Perera was leading the Sri Lanka delegation.

The Deputy Minister said it was befitting that the consultations took place at a time Sri Lanka was entering a new era of peace and development. Following the defeat of terrorism and the renewal of economic activities in all parts of the country, Sri Lanka offered many opportunities for investment and development projects.

Czech Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Thomas Dub, leading the Czech delegation, also commented on the good relations between the two countries which have been further intensified following the visit of External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris to Prague in March, as well as the visit of the Czech Republic Environment Deputy Minister to Colombo in April. The strategic location of Sri Lanka in the South Asian region and the Czech Republic in the centre of Europe, as well as the fact that both countries had managed to come out of difficult situations were similarities that could help and provide a common understanding for positive engagement in all fields.

Water resources development, waste management and disposal, renewable energy sector and environment were discussed as possible areas for further cooperation.

Tourism was also highlighted as an area with increased potential for cooperation and investment. In this context, the Deputy External Affairs Minister requested the Czech Republic to consider facilitation for issuing visa in Colombo, for Sri Lankans travelling to the Czech Republic.

Enhanced business cooperation and Parliamentary collaboration were areas that were identified by the two sides that needed to be further strengthened.