Coinciding with the Call by the “Jewel of Muscat” at the Port of Galle, bilateral consultations took place also in Galle between the Foreign Ministries of Sri Lanka and of Oman. It was noted that the visit by the ‘Jewel of Muscat’, an exact replica of a 9th century Omani trading vessel, built in the Sultanate of Oman, symbolizes in full the centuries long bilateral relationship. The “Jewel of Muscat” has evoked memories of the cultural and trade exchanges that have taken place for over a thousand years between the Arab world and Sri Lanka, with the sea port of Galle as the regional trade hub connecting both West Asia and East Asia. These exchanges have led to a vibrant tradition of people to people contacts that has in turn contributed to a rich mosaic of cultures and values.
Both sides agreed that the arrival of the vessel of goodwill from Oman marks as well the continuing voyage of friendship and understanding to destinations of practical and meaningful mutual collaboration. It was agreed that the bilateral relationship in the second decade of the current millennium would be marked by increased exchanges of high level visits and economic partnership.
It was recalled in this regard that His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa has invited His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, Sultan of Oman, to undertake a State Visit to Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka side expressed the view that with this year being the 40th Renaissance of the Sultanate of Oman, 2010 would provide an ideal timing for the further deepening of bonds through a multitude of innovative endeavours.
The two delegations identified the sectors of apparel, construction, fisheries, ship-building, IT sector, tourism and hydrocarbons as areas with sound potential for fruitful joint collaboration and joint investment. Sri Lanka side, on its part, called for the early conclusion of bilateral Agreement on Manpower, which the Omani side agreed to look into positively.
With a view to constituting an even more structured approach towards the bilateral relationship, it was agreed that the Sultanate of Oman would dispatch to Sri Lanka in the near future, a business delegation which, together with Sri Lankan counterparts, would chart out a road map for further economic and investment collaboration between Oman and Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka Authorities in turn undertook to institute all the arrangements necessary to provide the basis for a fruitful dialogue.
The Omani side invited the Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka to visit Oman to follow-up on the bilateral consultations between both Foreign Ministries. It was agreed that such consultations would henceforth be conducted on between both countries on an annual basis.
The Omani side expressed their full appreciation to the Sri Lanka side for the hospitality and the warm reception accorded to them as well as for the excellent arrangements made for the arrival of the “Jewel of Muscat”, which reflect the strong relationship between the two countries.
The Omani side was led by His Excellency Ahmed Al Harthy, Under-Secretary for Diplomatic Affairs while the Sri Lanka side was led by Mr. C.R. Jayasinghe, Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
19 April 2010
