Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Brazil Sumith Dassanayake who is concurrently accredited to the Republic of Chile, undertook an official visit to Chile from 26 to 28 September 2023.
During the visit, Ambassador Dassanayake held bilateral meetings with the senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile including the Divisional Heads of Asia-Pacific, United Nations and Human Rights, the Chief of Protocol, International Economic Relations and ProChile.
During his meeting with the Chief of Protocol Marcos Aguayo, the ambassador presented the open copies of his credentials.
The discussions with the senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile centered on political, economic and multilateral relations between the two countries. Ambassador Dassanayake briefed the Chilean officials on socio-economic and political developments in Sri Lanka and the government’s commitment towards restructuring its economy.
During his meeting with the Head of the United Nations and Human Rights Catalina Fernandez, the Ambassador briefed on the measures undertaken by the Sri Lankan government to address issues pertaining to human rights and the reconciliation process. As Chile is a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Ambassador requested Chile’s support and the cooperation at the Human Rights Council.
At the meeting with the Head of Asia Pacific Patricio Powell the ambassador proposed to conclude an agreement on political and economic relations between the two countries, to which the Chilean side responded positively.
During his meetings with the Head of the ProChile Patricio Parraguez and with the Head of International Economic Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile Sebastian Gomez, both parties discussed on further promoting trade and economic relations between the two countries and also agreed to seek the possibility of entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on establishment of a Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Affairs between the two countries, at the earliest, to address issues faced by importers and exporters of Sri Lanka and Chile.
The ambassador elaborated on the investment opportunities available for the Chilean investors in Sri Lanka in the Colombo Port City as well as at Hambantota Port which would provide Chilean investors easy access to Far East Asia, Middle East and Africa. Since there is a high demand for ITC professionals and services in Chile, the ambassador also explored the possibility of securing opportunities for Sri Lankans in the ITC sector in Chile.
Honorary Consul for Sri Lanka in Chile Sebastian Vicuna and First Secretary (Commercial) of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brazil Chathurika Perera were associated with the meetings.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Brazil
05 October 2023
