Bilateral Consultation between Sri Lanka and the Czech Republic

(November, 24, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Bilateral Consultation between Sri Lanka and the Czech Republic took place in Prague on 12 November 2007. This was the first time since recent changes in the Czech Republic, that such bilateral consultations took place.

The Sri Lanka delegation was led by Dr. Palitha T.B. Kohona, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and included Ambassador Aruni Wijewardane from Vienna. The delegation on the Czech side was led by Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Mr. Milan Hovorka.

On the economic front, Sri Lanka highlighted the importance of getting the North East Power Transmission Project implemented with Czech soft loan financing and through the Czech Company, SKODA EXPORT. The Czech side confirmed its interest in pursuing export credit funded projects with Sri Lanka. They also stated that Czech side was interested in the infrastructure development of Sri Lanka.

Along with the Secretary level bilateral political consultations, negotiations between Sri Lanka and Czech Republic took place relating to the conclusion of Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement. Negotiations successfully concluded and both sides welcomed this as an important step in further expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.