- Agreement on the mutual recognition of driving licences to be renewed
The first round of political consultations between Sri Lanka and Italy, co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra and Italy’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Maria Tripodi, successfully concluded yesterday (4) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism in Colombo.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the establishment of a political consultations mechanism was signed by the duo.
Tripodi also had productive discussions with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath.
At the political consultations, Sri Lanka and Italy identified avenues for increased institutional cooperation in sectors relating to workforce mobility, trade, investment, tourism, defence, energy, food security, culture, and education. Discussions also focused on ways to strengthen collaboration between the Parliamentarians of both the sides.
Both parties agreed to prioritise the early conclusion of bilateral instruments that are under negotiation. Particular emphasis was placed on the early conclusion of the MoU on Migration and Mobility Partnership, to ensure safe, regular, and sustainable migration between the two countries, and the renewal of the agreement on the mutual recognition of driving licences. Tripodi also assured that she will personally engage with the relevant authorities at the highest level to expedite the renewal of the agreement on the mutual recognition of driving licences and the MoU on Migration and Mobility Partnership.
Tripodi appreciated the contribution of the quality and professional Sri Lankan migrant workforce in Italy, which she said was the 12th largest non-European Union migrant labour force in the country and a significant source for strengthened people-to-people relations.
The visit of Tripodi is the first visit to Colombo by a high-level dignitary from Italy since 2016.
Italy is Sri Lanka’s fifth largest export market, and a significant source market for investment and tourism.