Sri Lanka and Romania hold sixth round of political consultations in Bucharest

Sri Lanka and Romania held the Sixth Round of Bilateral Political Consultations in Bucharest, concentrating on stronger cooperation in trade, investment, foreign employment, tourism, education and people-to-people relations.

The consultations were co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra, who led the Sri Lankan delegation, and H.E. Ms. Ana-Cristina Tinca, State Secretary for Strategic and Global Affairs of Romania.

Particular emphasis was placed on the welfare and protection of approximately 26,000 Sri Lankans living and working in Romania. Both sides explored opportunities to establish Government-to-Government recruitment arrangements, enhance social security and pension protection, facilitate the recognition of professional qualifications, and address challenges relating to Sri Lankan driving licences.

The two delegations also discussed expanding trade and investment opportunities, strengthening maritime connectivity between Colombo and Constanța, and fostering closer economic partnerships. Regional and global developments were reviewed as well.

Sri Lanka and Romania are preparing to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2027. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of translating their longstanding friendship into tangible outcomes for the mutual benefit of the two countries and their peoples.

The Sri Lankan delegation also included H.E. Samantha Pathirana, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Romania; Ms. Dilani Weerakoon, Director General of the Europe and North America Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism; and Ms. Prarthana Kaushalya, Counsellor at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Bucharest.

The consultations marked an important step towards deepening bilateral relations and advancing practical cooperation in areas of shared interest.