The Sri Lankan ambassador in Riyadh, Pakeer Mohideen Amza, emphasized that the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka is founded on shared values, mutual respect, support, and non-interference. Speaking at an event commemorating the 76th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence, Amza highlighted the historical ties between the two nations, tracing back several centuries when Sri Lanka played a crucial role in the silk route used by Arab traders.
Amza expressed admiration for Saudi Vision 2030, praising it as a well-thought-out strategy that reflects the Kingdom’s strengths and accomplishments under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He also acknowledged the significance of Riyadh hosting Expo 2030, a venture that Sri Lanka was among the early supporters of.
The ambassador highlighted the productive developments in the past two years, citing the historic bilateral foreign ministerial visit by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan to Sri Lanka in March 2022—the first of its kind since diplomatic relations were established in 1974. This visit was reciprocated by Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry, who visited Saudi Arabia in the following year.
Amza pointed out nearly a dozen ministerial visits between the two nations, including the visit by Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim in November 2023, which laid the groundwork for future economic cooperation. Three agreements covering double taxation, foreign employment, and political consultation were signed in the past year.
The joint commission held in Riyadh in May 2023 identified 63 areas for collaboration, spanning trade, industry, investment, energy, finance, and various other sectors. The ambassador highlighted the increase in employment opportunities for Sri Lankans in Saudi Arabia, with 63,000 positions generated in the past year. He also noted the growing number of Saudi nationals visiting Sri Lanka, attributing it to tourism events and initiatives, including the launch of the Ibn Battuta Trail Travel Package.
In conclusion, Amza provided an optimistic overview of Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, with a decline in inflation, stabilization of the rupee, a significant increase in remittances, and impressive growth in tourism and reserves. The event, attended by senior Saudi officials, diplomats, entrepreneurs, and the Sri Lankan community, served as a platform for reinforcing the strong and mutually beneficial ties between the two nations. The information source for this report is Arab News.