Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris yesterday updated the EU delegation to review the GSP+ program of Sri Lanka’s progress.
He welcomed the constructive, cordial and regular engagement between Sri Lanka and the European Union (EU) during the meeting with the five-member delegation from the EU.
Foreign Ministry said the meeting entailed a discussion on EU-Sri Lanka cooperation and Sri Lanka’s engagement with the EU on matters of relevance.
The EU mission to Sri Lanka was led by Senior Advisor, European Commission Directorate-General for Trade Nikolaos Zaimis, and European External Action Service (EEAS) Division Head for South Asia Ioannis Giogkarakis-Argyropoulos.
In the discussion, Foreign Minister Peiris apprised the EU delegation, inter alia, on the progress in reconciliation, review of Prevention of Terrorism Act, engagement with civil society, SDG 16 initiative, and Sri Lanka’s cooperation with the Human Rights Council.
The Foreign Minister observed that Sri Lanka's relations with the EU are wide-ranging and mutually beneficial, including in the spheres of economic and development cooperation.
The EU is Sri Lanka’s second-largest export destination (in 2020). The Foreign Minister highlighted the positive contribution of EU GSP+ benefits in upgrading the livelihoods of communities in the country.
In discussions with the Minister, the EU delegation welcomed the multifaceted engagement between Sri Lanka and the EU, and reassured of continued cooperation.
During the visit, the EU delegation participated in meetings related to the EU-Sri Lanka Joint Commission process and the EU GSP+ Third Cycle of Review process (2020/2021). The meetings were attended by a broad range of stakeholders from the Government, comprising over 30 line agencies.
The delegation comprised senior officials from the European Commission and the EEAS, and the visit was part of Sri Lanka's ongoing and regular engagement with the EU. The Mission also met other senior interlocutors in Government during the visit. Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Colombo Denis Chaibi, Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage, and senior officials of the Foreign Ministry participated in the meeting.
(FT)