Sri Lanka discusses possibility of reaching new MoU with Afghanistan
Acting Afghan Minister of Information and Culture Tahir Zuhair and Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Afghanistan Admiral Piyal De Silva have reportedly agreed that the engagement in cultural activities of mutual interest, which is a necessity to cement the growing bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, and also on pursuing economic activities through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in order to achieve productive results in the future.
The Ambassador had reportedly called on the Acting Minister on 9 May 2021 at the Ministry of Information and Culture of Afghanistan.
According to reports, the Ambassador had highlighted the historic bond between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka that began in the 2nd Century BC through people-to-people contacts with the influence of Buddhism in the ancient Indian continent.
The cultural heritage between the two countries has further strengthened in the following centuries with religious and trade activities.
Ambassador De Silva has also suggested fostering cultural activities by engaging in exchange of information in the fields of culture, music, art, film, and museums; co-operating on exchange of experts and publications; and providing assistance to display the Buddhist heritage of Afghanistan in Sri Lanka occasionally.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka is in the process of re-evaluating and further strengthening the country’s existing trade agreements and forming new ones. Sri Lanka already enjoys many trade agreements as well as trade concessions with many foreign countries. Given Sri Lanka’s geographical positioning in the Indian ocean, the island poses as an ideal destination to promote trade. This is one of the reasons for Sri Lanka to be placed prominently in China’s belt and road initiative (BRI). Foreign businesses/investors could therefore explore business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, especially if they are eager to engage in trade with other countries using the island as a trading platform.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20210524/Z_4 |