Sri Lanka and Indonesia have held discussions on granting visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders of both countries.

The proposal was discussed during an official visit to Sri Lanka by Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Muhammad Anis Matta, at the invitation of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra.

During the visit, Vice Minister Matta held bilateral talks with Deputy Minister Hemachandra, where both sides highlighted the long-standing friendship between Sri Lanka and Indonesia and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

The Indonesian Vice Minister emphasized the importance of expanding economic cooperation, particularly by increasing the current trade volume between the two countries.

Both sides also agreed on the need to hold bilateral political consultations at an early date and to facilitate high-level exchanges aimed at elevating relations to a strategic partnership in the future.

Discussions further focused on enhancing people-to-people ties, maritime cooperation, and cultural exchanges to unlock greater potential in bilateral relations.

Vice Minister Matta also paid a courtesy call on Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, where both sides noted that a Memorandum of Understanding on political consultations and a visa exemption agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders are in their final stages.

They expressed optimism that the agreements will be finalized soon, along with the early convening of the Bilateral Political Consultations and Joint Commission meetings.

Both parties also exchanged views on regional and global developments and reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, stability, and sustainable development.

In view of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Indonesia in 2027, the two sides agreed on the importance of continued high-level engagements.

During the visit, Vice Minister Matta also met with Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi.

Officials from both countries, including representatives of the foreign ministries and the Indonesian Embassy in Sri Lanka, participated in the discussions.