SL and Canada to expedite finalization of MoU

Colombo (News 1st): Sri Lanka and Canada have agreed to expedite the process of finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding. The Director-General for South Asia of Global Affairs Canada and Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha had agreed to work towards the early finalization of the MoU during a meeting yesterday (Jan 27). Issuing a statement, the Foreign Ministry said that the agreement will provide a mechanism for structured dialogue on the bilateral partnership and will facilitate regular consultations between the two countries. During the meeting, Foreign Secretary Aryasinha had emphasized the importance of improving economic cooperation between Canada and Sri Lanka with regard to trade and investment. Agriculture and vocational training and skills development were also identified as possible areas for further cooperation. Discussions also focused on reconciliation, the possible contribution of the Sri Lankan expatriate community in Canada for developmental initiatives and initiatives relating to the Foreign Relations Ministry’s economic diplomacy program. Canadian High Commissioner David McKinnon, Deputy High Commissioner Marie-Josée Rhéaume and senior officials of the Foreign Ministry were present during the meeting.