Sri Lanka and Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela will sign an agreement for exemption of visa requirements between the two countries to facilitate travel and to promote people to people contact and tourism.
This is subsequent to a visit made by State Minister of Foreign Affairs Vasantha Senanayake to Venezuela on an invitation of the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela Ruben Dario Molina with a view to renew and promote closer cooperation between Sri Lanka and Venezuela.
During the visit, Vasantha Senanayake held bilateral meetings with the Vice Minister of Venezuela.
The Ministers exchanged views on the bilateral relationship and on new areas of cooperation which includes agriculture, textiles, sports and tourism.
It was also agreed to consider signing an agreement for exemption of Visa requirements between the two countries to promote tourism. The Venezuelan Minister emphasized the need to intensify the engagement through the exchange of high-level visits and business delegations. He proposed that the Sri Lankan apparel industry be expanded to Venezuela similar to Sri Lanka’s entry to the industry in Honduras, Dominican Republic and Haiti.
The State Minister also had a meeting with the Minister of the People’s Power for Tourism and Foreign Trade of Venezuela Félix Plasencia where he briefed on the present developments in Sri Lanka. (SS)
The State Minister conveyed Sri Lanka’s willingness to help develop the gem industry in Venezuela by bringing Sri Lankan lapidarists to provide technical know-how.
State Minister Vasantha Senanayake also had a meeting with Minister of the People’s Power for Youth and Sports of Venezuela Pedro Infante and discussed new areas of possible cooperation.
During the meeting State Minister Senanayake proposed a youth exchange programme between the two countries and stated that Sri Lanka facilitates such programmes with several countries.
During the visit, State Minister Senanayake also paid a courtesy call on the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. President Maduro during the call, suggested that the two countries explore ways to strengthen the relationship with Sri Lanka. S
Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Cuba concurrently accredited to Venezuela A.L Ratnapala was associated with State Minister Vasantha Senanayake during the discussions.
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