Sri Lanka- Cambodia bilateral deal to boost economic prospects 

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena held bilateral discussions with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen during a state visit to Cambodia.

Recalling religious and cultural ties of the past, the two leaders discussed ways to boost tourism and trade between Sri Lanka and Cambodia in the present day.

This included the possibility of establishing direct flights between Colombo and Phnom Penh, and signing an agreement on civil aviation.

Furthermore, the delegates explored ways of enhancing cooperation in the economic and trade sectors, and how educational and youth exchange programmes could be facilitated.

It was also decided that action should be taken to expedite the process of establishing embassies of the two countries.

President Sirisena emphasised the need for a legal basis in terms of investment protection to increase inter-market opportunities and market advantages between the two countries.

Prime Minister Sen thanked President Sirisena for the facilities provided to Cambodian student Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka, and suggested a further strengthening of such religious and cultural relations.

Following the meeting, two MOUs were signed between Sri Lanka and Cambodia; State Minister of Foreign Affairs Wasantha Senanayake signed the MOU relating to political consultation on behalf of Sri Lanka and the Foreign Secretary of Cambodia signed for the Government of Cambodia.

The Chambers of Commerce of both countries also signed an agreement to establish a National Council of Cambodia and Sri Lanka.