Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe held bilateral talks with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday (Aug. 22) on the reinforcement of collaborative efforts between the two nations.
The two leaders have emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation and explored avenues for increased economic involvement, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.
In the aftermath of this significant meeting, a pivotal step was taken to solidify the partnership between the Sri Lankan and Singaporean governments with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a joint venture on carbon credits.
The PMD said this landmark collaboration falls under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, a significant framework for global environmental stewardship.
The MoU was inked by High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Singapore, Shashikala Premawardhane and Permanent Secretary (Development) to Singapore’s Trade & Industry Ministry, Beh Swan Gin, in the presence of President Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Lee.
This strategic partnership not only showcases the commitment of both nations to environmental responsibility but also sets the stage for further collaboration in various sectors, paving the way for a prosperous and sustainable future, the PMD said further.
President Wickremesinghe departed the island on Monday morning (Aug. 21) to embark on a two-day official visit in Singapore.
Sagala Ratnayaka, Chief of Presidential Staff and Senior Advisor on National Security; Ruwan Wijewardena, Senior Advisor on Climate Change; and Dr. R.H.S.Samaratunga, Senior Advisor on Economic Affairs are accompanying President Wickremesinghe during this visit.
The Sri Lankan leader met with Singapore’s President, Madam Halimah Yacob on Monday at the Istana in Singapore and had fruitful discussions, covering topics including food security, renewable energy and regional economic cooperation.
Meanwhile, Singapore’s Minister for Defence, Dr. Ng Eng Hen, called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe to discuss how to amplify security and defence collaboration between the two nations. They also underscored the paramount importance of strengthening security partnerships in the South Asian region.
