Nepal's Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali described Sri Lanka as a "trustworthy friend" during a courtesy call by Ambassador Himalee Arunatilaka on 20 December 2019. Welcoming the Ambassador, the Minister noted there are many similarities between the two countries as well as common development challenges and underlined the need to identify new areas of cooperation for a substantive economic partnership.
Referring to the strong cultural links between the two countries Ambassador Arunatilaka said they provided a solid foundation to build upon and optimize mutually beneficial opportunities. She emphasized that she hoped to give particular focus to economic cooperation during her tenure. Education and tourism were underlined in particular as sectors with potential for further development, while climate change and regional cooperation were discussed as issues of common concern and interest.
Ambassador Arunatilaka recalled the reference to regional cooperation and SAARC by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa following his assumption of office, and said Sri Lanka and Nepal can work together to promote regional cooperation. The Ambassador also congratulated Minister Gyawali on Nepal's successful hosting of the 13th South Asian Games, the spectacular opening and closing ceremonies, and the outstanding performance by Nepali athletes and players in the sporting events.
