The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra, has held a constructive meeting today (13) with the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Sri Lanka, Semih Lütfü Turgut, to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

Building on the momentum of the Deputy Minister’s recent visit to Türkiye, which revived high-level political engagement across six sectors, discussions focused on the effective implementation of the two bilateral instruments signed during the visit, the Minsitry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment said in a statement.

Both sides also agreed to follow up on pending bilateral agreements with a view to expediting their conclusion, the Ministry stated.

On the economic front, the two sides reviewed the recent growth in Sri Lankan tea exports to Türkiye amid changing global market dynamics. The importance of diversifying bilateral trade and promoting business-to-business exchanges was also highlighted.

Discussions further explored opportunities to enhance connectivity and cultural ties, including the possibility of Turkish investment in introducing domestic air services in Sri Lanka, the statement added.

Both sides also highlighted the significant potential for further cooperation in cultural tourism and the preservation of archaeological sites.