BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 16. The possibilities
of strengthening political dialogue between Azerbaijan and Sri
Lanka, increasing mutual visits, and expanding cooperation in
tourism, education, energy, and other areas were discussed.


The issues were discussed on October 16 during a meeting between
Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, and Sri
Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Overseas Employment, and
Tourism, Vijitha Herath.


Vijitha Herath is on a visit to Azerbaijan to participate in the
7th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building
Measures in Asia (CICA).


During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on the current
state of bilateral relations between the two countries, the
prospects for their development, and various areas of
cooperation.


Touching upon the outcomes of the 7th CICA Summit, the parties
highlighted the contribution of Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of the
organization in 2024–2026 to strengthening dialogue, mutual trust,
and multilateral cooperation in Asia. The significance of the
summit for expanding ties among participating states and discussing
regional and global challenges was noted.


The meeting highlighted the importance of regular political
consultations between the foreign ministries of Azerbaijan and Sri
Lanka. It was noted that this mechanism helps to enrich the agenda
of bilateral relations, discuss issues of mutual interest, and
identify new areas of cooperation. It was noted that increasing
mutual visits and contacts at various levels would also contribute
to the development of relations.


Opportunities for expanding cooperation in the field of tourism
were also discussed. In this context, the importance of increasing
mutual tourist flows, promoting tourism potential, and developing
ties between relevant institutions was emphasized.


In connection with the development of cooperation in the
humanitarian and educational spheres, issues related to expanding
student exchanges, cooperation within scholarship programs, and
facilitating the exchange of experience in the field of education
were considered.


In addition, an exchange of views took place on opportunities
for cooperation in the field of professional training and education
for diplomats.


Other bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest were also
discussed at the meeting.