The official visit of the Sri Lankan Embassy delegation headed by Ambassador H.E. Prof. M.D. Lamawansa, to the Republic of Uzbekistan included a number of high-level meetings in the Ministries in Tashkent during a 4-day run.

Thus, Ambassador H.E. Prof. Lamawansa held a fruitful discussion with the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan H.E. Mr. Sidikov Furkhat. During the conversation, topical issues of the development of Sri Lanka - Uzbekistan relations of friendship both in bilateral and international arena, as well as potential areas for strengthening interaction between the two countries were considered. The meeting was also attended by and Head of Foreign Ministry Directorate overseeing the countries of South Asia, Middle East and Africa Mr. Eshonov, and the Head of South Asia Division Mr. B.Sharipov from the Uzbekistan side, and the 1st Secretary Ms. Nirosha Herath and PA to Ambassador Ms. Olessya Romanova from the Embassy side.

At the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan Ambassador H.E. Prof. M.D. Lamawansa was received by the Deputy Minister Mr. Uzokboy Begimkulov, Director of the International Cooperation Department and colleagues from the State Tashkent University of Oriental Studies. The parties briefed on the education systems in both countries and discussed the prospects for collaboration in the area of vocational training, short-term courses, establishing links between Universities, and joint research projects.

The Ambassador paid a call on the Deputy Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mr. Kudratov. Both sides emphasized the unutilized potential to enhance collaboration in various spheres, including trade, agriculture, technology and investment.

The Embassy delegation visited the newly established Ministry of Tourism and Sport and had a substantive discussion with Ms. Nadira Berdimuratova, Head of International Affairs and Protocol Department, Mr. Aziz Mirdjalilov, Chief of Marketing Department and leading Tour Operators of Uzbekistan. Matters pertaining to potential in expanding both inbound and outbound tourism of both countries as well as promotion of cultural and religious tourism was touched upon.

The Ambassador and his team had substantive discussion with the Deputy Chair of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The parties underlined the importance of establishing links between the Chambers of Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan to open more opportunities for business sectors of both countries.

All the meetings were conducted in a highly interactive and productive manner, and the Uzbekistan side expressed its willingness to work closely with the Sri Lankan Embassy to intensify the existing relations between the two countries.

On this visit, Ambassador Prof. M. D. Lamawansa was accompanied by the 1st Secretary of the Mission Ms. Nirosha Herath, and Ms. Olesya Romanova, PA to H. E. the Ambassador.