Iran, Sri Lanka to expand economic cooperation
Sri Lanka is keen to bolster relations with Iran, said the country’s ambassador voicing hope that the upcoming launching of direct flights between Tehran and Colombo would further improve interactions between the two countries.
Sri Lankan Ambassador to Iran Mohammad Sharif Anis further said in a meeting with economic activists in Iran’s central province of Yazd that promoting economic relations between his country and Yazd Province will benefit both countries, reported Fars News Agency.
He added that efforts are underway to facilitate investment, conclude necessary deals and communicate with industrial and production activists.
Referring to Sri Lankan capacities, he cited building towers, roads and bridges as well as producing construction materials as suitable areas for investment by Iranian companies.
Direct Tehran-colombo flights will soon become operational which can help promote tourism and economic activities, he said.
Yazd economic activists pointed to the province’s capacities, including export of tiles, stones and infant formula and welcomed exchanges with the country.
Early in August, 2018, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif visited the South Asian country and met his Sri Lankan counterpart Tilak Janak Marapana in Colombo during which the two sides discussed bilateral relations, especially in economic fields.
During the meeting, the two foreign ministers also explored avenues for bolstering and reinvigorating cooperation in trade and economic areas, including in energy, petrochemicals, construction, banking and agriculture sectors.
The two sides also examined closer cooperation on global issues.
Iranian foreign minister also met Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and exchanged views on regional and international topics.
In April 2018, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani in a meeting with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo underlined the need for enhancing mutual cooperation between the two countries.
“Considering the age-old trade relations between Iran and Sri Lanka, the chambers of commerce of the two countries can play a bold role with their familiarity with the areas of cooperation,” Larijani said in the meeting in the Sri Lankan capital.
The Iranian parliament speaker underlined that one of the objectives of his visit to Sri Lanka is to expand parliamentary and economic relations between Tehran and Colombo.
The Sri Lankan prime minister hoped that economic ties between the two countries will expand consistent with the growth in political relations.