The new Secretary General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Amjad Hussain B.Sial, in his customary introductory calls on Member States, visited Sri Lanka from 29th -31 May 2017.
During his stay in Sri Lanka, the Secretary General paid a courtesy call on President Maithripala Sirisena, at the Official Residence on 29th May.
Mr. Sial also called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ravi Karunanayake and Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Esala Weerakoon on the same day at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Foreign Minister congratulated Mr. Sial on his appointment as the new Secretary General of SAARC and conveyed Sri Lanka’s fullest support to SAARC. Minister Karunanayake highlighted the importance of strengthening the SAARC mechanism and ensured Sri Lanka’s support to Secretary General’s endeavours to strive for a regional organization that is productive, result oriented and an efficient entity. The importance of a higher input on Intra-trade in the region was also emphasized by the Minister.
Mr. M.A.K. Girihagama, DG/SA & SAARC and Mrs. T.P.Dharmasena, D/SA & SAARC were present at the meeting.
The Secretary General visited the SAARC Cultural Centre at Colombo 2 during the visit.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
31 May 2017
