President Maithripala Sirisena left for Germany today on an Official visit at the invitation of the Federal Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel. The objective of the visit is strengthening political and trade ties and is expected to mark the beginning of a new chapter in Sri Lanka-German relations. Accompanying the President is a high level trade and investment delegation which will participate in a special forum organised to create awareness on Sri Lanka’s economic potential.
President Sirisena who will be received by Chancellor Merkel and accorded a ceremonial guard of honour will hold bilateral discussions with German officials led by Chancellor Merkel on 17 February. President Sirisena will also visit the German Parliament (Bundestag) and also meet the Federal President of Germany Joachim Gauck.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation Dr. Gerd Müller, and the Chairwoman of the Committee on Economic Cooperation and Development of the Parliament will call on the President. The President will also attend a business community meeting arranged by the Asia Pacific Committee of the German Business Council.
A key segment of the visit will focus on strengthening economic cooperation and encouraging German companies to take advantage of the attractive investment opportunities in Sri Lanka. The trade and investment delegation will be interacting with German investors to identify opportunities for joint ventures. Enhanced economic cooperation is expected to cover a broad area including areas such as Small and Medium Enterprises, Sustainable Development in the Energy Sector and Higher Education.
During President Sirisena's Official visit to Austria from 19-20 February, he will hold bilateral discussions with Federal President of Austria Heinz Fischer following a ceremonial welcome. The President will hold discussions on strengthening bilateral trade, and inviting investment in areas such as tourism, power generation, infrastructure, waste water management, agriculture and dairy and tourism. The high level trade and investment delegation that will accompany the President will participate at a business discussion at the Austrian Chamber of Commerce to interact with investors and identify opportunities for joint ventures.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
15 February 2016
