Foreign Minister Ali Sabry paid an official visit to Poland from 18 -21 July, 2024 and held bilateral talks with the Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski.
During the discussions, both Ministers emphasized the importance of further strengthening cooperation. They recognized the potential for growth in several key areas, including port development, tourism, agro-industry, and the automotive industry. The two Ministers also discussed regional and multilateral issues including the shared commitment to global peace and security, sustainable development, and climate action.
Minister Sabry, reiterated the need for an expeditious visa facilitation mechanism in view of the potential for employment for Sri Lankans in Poland. Minister Sikorski responded by proposing a G2G Agreement to create legal and dignified employment opportunities for the Sri Lankan labour market in identified sectors. Both Ministers also discussed enhanced people-to-people connections and cultural exchanges.
Minister Sabry also visited the Polish Parliament and met with a Member of the Sejm (Lower House) Monika Wielichowska and a Member of the Upper House Senator Magdalena Biejat. It was also proposed to set up Parliamentary friendship groups to strengthen contacts between the legislatures of both countries.
Foreign Minister Sabry also had an interactive engagement at the University of Warsaw where he addressed the students of the Faculty of Political Science and International Relations on “Strategic Autonomy and Sri Lanka’s relations with the EU and Poland”.
The Minister also visited Krakow, the cultural centre of Poland where he visited the Jagiellonian University and had discussions with the Pro-rector Elect and the Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry, Prof. Wojciech Macyk and other academics of the University. During his meeting with Vice Governor of Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Elżbieta Achinger, both parties discussed opportunities for trade and tourism promotion and identified the need for direct flights between the two cities.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
23 July 2024
