The implementation of the recently developed ‘Revitalized Africa Policy’, seeks to enhance Sri Lanka’s cooperation in the political, economic and cultural spheres across Africa.
Among the envisaged measures for closer engagement are the expansions of Sri Lanka’s diplomatic presence in Africa, stronger and mutually productive economic collaboration.
The revitalization of the historic people to people links and close cooperation in multilateral forums and regional organizations were the other aspects of Sri Lanka-Africa bilateral relations.
This was disclosed by Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha when he addressed
a representative group of scholars at the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs in Cairo recently.
He noted that once implemented, the African Continental Free Trade Agreement will add further stimulus to the trade and investment relationship.
The policy document aims to optimize the strategic linkages through proximity to the Indian Ocean, centrality of Sri Lanka’s location, and cooperation through the 54 member-African Union (AU), where Sri Lanka received Observer Status in 2014.
The Foreign Secretary was in Cairo for the Inaugural Session of the Bilateral Political Consultations between Sri Lanka and Egypt.
‘Revitalized Africa Policy’ is a policy document prepared by the Foreign Relations Ministry in consultation with Sri Lankan line agencies, Colombo based African diplomatic representations and Honorary Consuls , Sri Lankan Missions and Honorary Consuls in Africa and the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute.
These initiatives will provide a framework for engagement with the African region and seek to create multiple symbiotic linkages that will augment a stronger Sri Lanka-Africa nexus.
Sri Lanka would be able to expand its foot print in Africa, and tangibly increase economic engagement with the African region which is currently at a nascent stage, significantly through bilateral trade, investment and people-to-people ties in a mutually beneficial manner.
(LI)