While attending the XXIV International Economic Forum which was held from 2-5 June 2021 in St. Petersburg in Russian Federation, Hon. Wimal Weerawansa, Minister of Industries of Sri Lanka and Hon. Ajith Nivard Cabraal State Minister of Money & Capital Market and State Enterprise Reforms of Sri Lanka together with H.E. Prof. M.D. Lamawansa, Ambassador of Sri Lanka in the Russian Federation received the invitation to participate in the panel discussion which was attended by H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation.

During H.E. the president's speech, he mentioned the agreements reached at the Forum will contribute to the development of international relations and facilitate the implementation of new economic projects for the benefit of all our countries and peoples. He emphasized the importance of establishing equal, constructive partnerships between members of the global community and expanding business ties on a number of levels to effectively tackle today's critical global challenges and achieving sustainable development. H.E. the president mentioned that the Russian Federation is interested in closer economic, scientific, and technical cooperation with partners in other regions and Russia is ready to share their experience in areas such as healthcare and digitalization, and to work with partners to build better telecommunications, energy, and transport infrastructure. He further mentioned the importance of creating effective frameworks to cooperate in addressing key issues facing the environment and climate.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all countries across the globe, and has severely restricted international ties. Therefore the forum has concluded with remarks that it is vital to work together as we forge a path to recovery and other socioeconomic issues such as poverty relief, improving education opportunities, expanding employment and prospects for labour markets, as well as addressing violations of fair competition principles also require careful attention.