Focus on enhancing economic ties between Sri Lanka and the Republic of Benin

• MOU on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, official and service passports is set to be signed between the two nations.
• The PM of Ethiopia extends congratulations to Sri Lanka for its swift economic recovery.

Bilateral discussions were held Friday (19) between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Vice President of the Republic of Benin Ms. Mariam Chabi Talata, Friday (19) on the side lines of the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Kampala, Uganda.

Diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and the Republic of Benin was established in 2012, took centre stage, with a focus on advancing economic and trade connections.

Vice President Talata, identified the Republic of Benin as a notable cotton exporter, highlighted investment opportunities for the Sri Lankan apparel industry in Republic of Benin’s cotton industry encouraging President Ranil Wickremesinghe to guide Sri Lankan investors in that direction.

Additionally, both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on visa exemption for diplomatic, official and service passport holders, allowing a 30-day stay without a prior visa.

The agreement was signed by Mr. Ali Sabry, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Benin.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe invited the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Benin to visit Sri Lanka soon, exploring new economic possibilities and elevating bilateral relations.

Officials present included President’s Secretary Mr. Saman Ekanayake, President’s Senior Adviser on Climate Change Mr. Ruwan Wijewardena, Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ms. Aruni Wijewardena and President’s Director of International Affairs Dinouk Colombage.

In a parallel development, President Ranil Wickremesinghe held discussions with Prime Minister of Ethiopia Mr. Abiy Ahmed yesterday during the Non-Aligned Movement Summit.

Commending President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Sri Lanka’s swift economic recovery, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed engaged in talks with the President on advancing economic relations between the two countries. The discussions encompassed topics such as renewable energy, agriculture and the garment industry, along with exploring potential areas for new investments.