Minister Vijitha Herath Returns After Attending Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat
- CNL Reporter
- February 18, 2025
- Political
- Minister Vijitha Herath Returns After Attending Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat
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Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, returned to Sri Lanka this morning after participating in the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) held in Muscat, Oman, on 16–17 February 2025. During his visit, Minister Herath engaged in high-level discussions with several foreign counterparts on the sidelines of the conference, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations, regional cooperation, and Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.
As part of his engagements, Minister Herath met with
• H.E. Dhananjay Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and International Trade of Mauritius (16/02/2025). Among the matters discussed at this meeting were the progress on bilateral relations, cooperation in the field of employment, and cooperation in the maritime sector.
• H.E. Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India (16/02/2025) – Discussions focused on Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and ongoing progress.
• H.E. Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman (17/02/2025). Discussions focused on enhancing ties in tourism, and energy, and developing highly skilled manpower cooperation, building on the long-standing relationship between the two countries.
• H.E. Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal (17/02/2025). Nepal and Sri Lanka’s shared commitment to expanding trade and working together for climate justice. And the discussion focused on increased air connectivity between the two nations, specifically proposing direct flights from Colombo to Bhairahawa to enhance tourism and trade.
• H.E. Dr. Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran (16/02/2025). The two foreign ministers discussed bilateral ties and issues of mutual interest. Referring to the good level of relations and cooperation between Iran and Sri Lanka in various fields.
• H.E. D. N. Dhugyel (16/02/2025) Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Bhutan. The two ministers explored the ways and means to elevate the bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people contacts.
These meetings reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s strong diplomatic ties and commitment to regional cooperation. Minister Herath’s participation in the conference further emphasized Sri Lanka’s role in maritime partnerships, trade, and security in the Indian Ocean region.
