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Afghanistan proposes direct aviation connectivity to SL

24 Mar 2021

  • Currently flights stopover at India

  As flights that fly between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka have a stopover at India, Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka has recently proposed direct aviation connectivity between the two countries. Ambassador Ashraf Haidari proposed this measure during a meeting he had with Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in Colombo where both parties discussed bilateral issues. The two dignitaries agreed to continue the current momentum of bilateral engagements with their strong commitment for enhanced relations. As an immediate step, Minister Gunawardena and Ambassador Haidari agreed to commence foreign office political consultations by concluding a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) next month, which the Cabinet of Ministers in Sri Lanka already endorsed. There was consensus that expeditious action would be taken in respect of the other bilateral instruments, which include an agreement on transfer of sentenced persons, an air services agreement, and two MoUs, respectively, on a diplomatic visa waiver and defence co-operation. Both sides shared the sentiment that being close neighbours, as well as members of the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation), the future potential in trade and economic co-operation must be explored through the relevant trade chambers in the two countries. Ambassador Haidari provided a briefing to Foreign Minister Gunawardena on the ongoing peace process in Afghanistan and conveyed his country’s aspirations for a successful outcome. While wishing Afghanistan to achieve durable peace and security, Foreign Minister Gunawardena unequivocally condemned the recent acts of terrorism in Kabul, which resulted in several civilian deaths.


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