Minister of External Affairs, Professor G.L. Peiris, held bilateral discussions on Saturday with Mr. José Manuel Gracia, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Co-operation of Spain.
Minister Peiris said that the growing strength of the bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and Spain is indicated by the decision of the Spanish Cabinet to establish a Spanish Embassy in Colombo.
Spain’s Foreign Minister, in response to a request by his Sri Lankan counterpart, agreed to assist with regard to the expansion of Sri Lanka’s trade relations, especially in the field of cinnamon and other spices trade, with countries in Latin America with which Spain enjoys strong ties.
Prof. Peiris briefed the Spanish Minister comprehensively regarding current developments in Sri Lanka.
He thanked the Government of Spain for their contribution of 400,000 Euro for flood victims of Sri Lanka and for Spanish assistance for the Veyangoda Railway Crossing Flyover Project and the Greater Ratnapura Water Supply Scheme Project.
The Ministers discussed practical modalities for increasing the volumes of trade between the two countries, further assistance from Spain through the newly established Fund for Social Development Co-operation, the promotion of Sri Lanka as a prime tourist destination in Spain, joint venture partnerships in tourism infrastructure development and, in particular, the approach by the Spanish airline Iberia to commence regular airline services between Colombo and Madrid.
Ministry of External Affairs
06 September 2014
