Japan-Sri Lanka Relations
Japan-Sri Lanka Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
August 4, 2022
On August 4, commencing at 8:00 a.m. local time (August 4, 10:00 Japan Time) for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. Hayashi Yoshimasa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Cambodia to attend the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ Meetings, held a Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with Hon. M.U.M. Ali Sabry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- Minister Hayashi expressed his congratulations to Minister Sabry on his appointment as Foreign Minister, and the two ministers confirmed to further strengthen the bilateral relations with a view to realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Sri Lanka this year. Minister Hayashi also expressed his gratitude for condolences from Sri Lanka on the passing of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo. In response, Minister Sabry stated that the mourning of Sri Lanka has been the expression of the Sri Lankan people’s respect for former Prime Minister Mr. Abe.
- The two ministers concurred that it is important for Sri Lanka to overcome the current economic crisis, and bring itself back on track for development at an early date, and discussed measures to this end. Minister Hayashi referred to the ongoing humanitarian assistance from Japan to Sri Lanka in providing food and medicine. In response, Minister Sabry expressed his gratitude for Japan’s support to date.
- Minister Hayashi stated that Japan would continue to work closely with the international community to implement robust sanctions against Russia and provide support for Ukraine. In response, Minister Sabry stated that it is crucial for the international community to cooperate to deal with the shortages and soaring prices of food and energy at hand. The two ministers also exchanged their views on the regional affairs, including China and North Korea.