Sri Lanka and Thailand underscored the importance of finalizing the Labour Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding and the Agreement on the Employment of Sri Lankan Workers in Thailand, during talks between Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath and Thailand’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sarun Charoensuwan in Bangkok.
According to the Sri Lankan Embassy in Bangkok, during the meeting held yesterday (15), the Thai side expressed readiness to welcome Sri Lankan workers while ensuring their safety, rights, and welfare.
Both countries also agreed to expedite negotiations on a visa exemption for ordinary passport holders, aimed at facilitating travel and strengthening people‑to‑people exchanges.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment to deepen bilateral relations, building on longstanding friendship, shared Buddhist heritage, and close cultural ties. Discussions focused on enhancing economic cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, and tourism, with emphasis on expanding Thai investments in Sri Lanka and boosting two‑way tourist flows.
The Ministers also agreed to strengthen collaboration in combating transnational crimes, including human trafficking and cybercrime, while reaffirming cooperation through the Joint Working Group on elephant‑related matters. Thailand acknowledged Sri Lanka’s continued commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Thai elephants in the country.
Minister Herath expressed appreciation for Thailand’s support, including financial assistance for post‑disaster recovery following Cyclone Ditwah and cooperation in the safe repatriation of Sri Lankans rescued from trafficking operations in Myanmar.
Further areas of cooperation discussed included sustainable development, education, maritime security, and cultural exchanges, with both sides emphasizing continued coordination on regional and international matters, including Sri Lanka’s aspiration to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner.
The meeting was attended by Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Thailand Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, senior officials of both foreign ministries, and private‑sector leaders. Vice Minister Charoensuwan hosted a luncheon in honour of Minister Herath and his delegation. (Newswire)
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