- Discusses maritime security and stable economic corridors in IOR with US
Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath has met US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor, with discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries. Gor said that the meeting addressed ways to enhance US-Sri Lanka ties in areas including maritime security and the development of stable economic corridors in the Indian Ocean region (IOR). He further stated that the US remains committed to working with regional partners to promote stability and security in the region.
The meeting comes as Sri Lanka continues to engage with international partners on matters related to regional cooperation, economic connectivity, and maritime security.
Meanwhile, Herath also met Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on the sidelines of the 33rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum (RF) meeting in Manila, the Philippines. The ARF meeting brings together Foreign Ministers and representatives from Asia-Pacific countries to discuss regional security, cooperation and key international issues. Sharing a post on social media, Dr. Jaishankar said that he was pleased to meet his Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi counterparts during the regional gathering. Herath is to participate in the 33rd ARF Ministerial Meeting and the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Manila, from yesterday (23) to today (24). Herath is to address both meetings during the official visit. He is to also engage in bilateral discussions with Foreign Ministers of participating countries, the Secretary-General of the ASEAN, and senior officials of the European Union and the Asian Development Bank on the sidelines of the meetings. Among the scheduled bilateral engagements is a meeting with the Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro. During his visit, Herath is also expected to officially inaugurate the Office of the Honourary Consul of Sri Lanka in Mindanao.