COLOMBO, 22nd April, 2025 (WAM) -- H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met today with Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, during his working visit to Colombo.

The two ministers discussed the strong ties of friendship and explored ways to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in development-related sectors across both countries.

They also reviewed opportunities for expanding cooperation in areas including the economy, trade, tourism, and development.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed praised the distinguished relations between the UAE and Sri Lanka, highlighting Sri Lanka as an important partner and affirming both countries' shared commitment to leveraging their mutual potential to elevate cooperation across all fields, especially development.

The ministers also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of common interest.

Following their discussions, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and Minister Vijitha Herath witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, aimed at establishing the UAE-Sri Lanka Joint Business Council.

The MoU was signed by Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs, and Dr. Lakmal Fernando, Vice President of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka.

The meeting was attended by Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State; Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs; Abdullah Ahmed Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability Affairs; and Khaled Nasser Al Ameri, UAE Ambassador to Sri Lanka.