Malaysia will support Sri Lanka’s application to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dato Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abd Kadir assured during a discussion with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Temple Trees in Colombo today (Oct 09).
The Prime Minister stated that Sri Lanka’s entry into RCEP would bolster its economic connectivity within the broader Southeast Asian region, while the Malaysian Minister assured fullest support to Sri Lanka, stating, “Sri Lanka belongs to our region.”
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Gunwardena affirmed the government’s alignment with the future vision of ASEAN for the Indo-Pacific area, pledging full support for the advancement of this economic perspective.
The Prime Minister and the visiting Minister discussed bilateral relations with special emphasis on cooperation in regional groupings such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association for enhancing trade and investment cooperation.
Premier Gunawardena invited Malaysian entrepreneurs to enter into new areas of investment in Sri Lanka in the growing hospitality industry, education and pharmaceutical industries. Malaysia was amongst the top 6th investment partners of Sri Lanka in recent years.
The Prime Minister also extended his gratitude to the Government and people of Malaysia for the support given during last year’s economic crisis.
Referring to the high-level contacts, historical links, people-to-people contacts, geographical proximity and the deepening bonds of friendship with Sri Lanka, Minister Zambry Abd Kadir said his government was looking forward to increasing economic and trade cooperation.
A high-level Malaysian delegation including Under Secretary Generals Dato Syed Mohamed Bakri Syed Abdul Rahman and Ahmed Kamrizamil Reza and High Commissioner Badli Hisham Adam participated in the discussion, alongside State Minister Suren Raghavan, MP Yadamini Gunawardena and Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake. (NewsWire)