Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena met with Ambassador of the Netherlands Tanja Gonggrijp and Ambassador of Turkey R. Demet Sekercioglu Tuesday to discuss several areas of ongoing cooperation, the Foreign Ministry stated in a press release.
The Foreign Minister appreciated the assistance provided by the Government of the Netherlands to upgrade hospitals in the Northern Province and the Kalutara District. Discussion also took place on ongoing assistance from the Netherlands in the construction of bridges in rural areas, water treatment plants, vocational training, and restoration work at archeological sites, the statement read.
Foreign Minister Gunawardena also appreciated the assistance being provided for the digitisation of archival documents. He noted the significant growth of exports from Sri Lanka to the Netherlands and expressed the keen interest to further strengthen economic ties and tourism. The minister added that relations between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands have grown into a multifaceted partnership, the Ministry stated.
While talking with Turkish Ambassador to Sri Lanka R. Demet Sekercioglu, Minister Gunawardena appreciated the COVID-19-related assistance from Turkey. The minister also said that despite COVID-19-related challenges, Turkish Airlines has continued to operate regular weekly flights to Sri Lanka, thereby strengthening connectivity between the two countries, the press release said.
Foreign Minister Gunawardena noted the potential to further enhance trade and investment, and to further strengthen cooperation at the international level. The Foreign Minister welcomed the prospect of high-level visits from Turkey and the forthcoming meeting of the Joint Committee for Economic and Technical Cooperation, the statement added.