Lanka, Kazakhstan seek stronger economic and parliamentary ties

Sri Lanka and Kazakhstan are seeking to deepen their economic and parliamentary ties, according to recent discussions between the two nations. Kazakhstan Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Sergey Viktorov, met with the Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, to explore opportunities for greater cooperation in investment, trade, agriculture, tourism, and energy.

The Speaker emphasized Sri Lanka's long-standing friendship with Kazakhstan, which dates back to the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992. He welcomed the opening of Kazakhstan's first resident Embassy in Colombo in 2025, viewing it as a significant milestone in bilateral relations. Dr. Wickramaratne expressed Sri Lanka's interest in expanding cooperation with Kazakhstan across various key sectors and invited the country to explore investment opportunities, acknowledging the country's progress towards political and economic stability.

Ambassador Viktorov highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral ties for mutual benefit, stressing that such ties would be advantageous for both nations. He also informed Dr. Wickramaratne about Kazakhstan's recent introduction of a parliamentary system based on a unicameral legislature. In response, the Speaker welcomed the proposal and indicated that steps would be taken to establish a Sri Lanka-Kazakhstan Parliamentary Friendship Association.

This association aims to promote parliamentary exchanges and strengthen institutional cooperation between the two legislatures.

The meeting further focused on enhancing parliamentary diplomacy and identifying new avenues for closer economic and bilateral cooperation between Sri Lanka and Kazakhstan.