Sri Lanka and Indonesia have agreed to expand bilateral economic ties, focusing on trade and investment in the pharmaceutical, mineral and textile sectors, following the inaugural political consultations between the two nations held in Colombo on September 22.
The high-level deliberations covered critical areas of cooperation, including defense and maritime security, intelligence sharing against transnational threats, parliamentary exchanges and agricultural collaboration with a focus on fertiliser supplies and fisheries.
Both sides also discussed easing visa processes to boost tourism and connectivity, alongside expanding educational and cultural exchanges. During the session, Sri Lanka reiterated its request for Indonesia’s support regarding its bid to secure Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN) Sectoral Dialogue Partnership (SDP) status and to accede to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
The inaugural round commenced with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a formal framework for regular political dialogue between the Foreign Ministries of both countries. The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aruni Ranaraja, while Deputy Minister for Asia-Pacific and African Affairs of Indonesia Dr. Santo Darmosumarto headed the Indonesian delegation.
Highlighting their shared diplomatic heritage, both leaders recalled the foundational roles Sri Lanka and Indonesia played in pioneering global initiatives such as the Non-Aligned Movement.
To mark their enduring partnership, both nations agreed to conduct a series of year round activities in 2027 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Indonesia. The second round of Political Consultations is scheduled to take place in Jakarta in 2028. (Newswire)
