Sri Lanka and Belgium held their first-ever political consultations in Brussels on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations.
The consultations were conducted under an agreement signed in December 2017, which established a formal mechanism for political dialogue. The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, Director-General of the Europe and North America Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, while the Belgian delegation was headed by Birgit Stevens, Director-General for Bilateral Affairs of the Asia and Oceania Division.
During the meeting, both sides conducted a comprehensive review of bilateral ties, covering political engagement, high-level visits, trade, investment, and tourism. Discussions also included defense and maritime security cooperation, scientific and cultural exchanges, disaster prevention, climate resilience, green transition initiatives, and collaboration in multilateral forums.
Preparations to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2028 were also discussed. Sri Lanka expressed its interest in strengthening economic cooperation, with particular focus on trade, tourism, and investment in green energy, pharmaceuticals, ICT, ports, and logistics.
The delegations reviewed cooperation within the European Union, including Sri Lanka’s engagement under the EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), debt restructuring, and economic reforms guided by the International Monetary Fund. Belgium welcomed Sri Lanka’s efforts toward economic recovery and institutional reform, while Sri Lanka appreciated Belgium’s support in the EU and other international platforms, including assistance for rebuilding following Cyclone Ditwah.
Sri Lanka briefed Belgium on measures to promote good governance, national reconciliation, and the rule of law. Regional and global developments were also discussed, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to multilateralism, the United Nations Charter, and international law.
The consultations highlighted shared priorities in climate action, ocean governance, and maritime security, and both sides discussed potential reciprocal support for United Nations candidacies.
The Sri Lankan delegation included Ambassador Chandana Weerasena and senior embassy officials, while the Belgian delegation comprised William Asselborn and senior officials from the Federal Public Service for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Development Cooperation.
