The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation, Shobini Gunasekera, with concurrent accreditation to the Republic of Kazakhstan, presented the Open Copies of Letters of Credence to Alibek Kuantyrov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Astana on 3rd March 2026.

Following the presentation, a fruitful discussion was held between Ambassador Gunasekera and Deputy Minister Alibek Kuantyrov. In the presence of Director and other officials of the 2nd Asia Department of the Foreign Ministry.  During the meeting, Ambassador Gunasekera, reflected the importance attached to Kazakhstan and Central Asia in Sri Lanka’s foreign policy and reaffirmed commitment to further strengthening the friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries and deepening engagement with the region. 

The Ambassador underscored the need to convene bilateral political consultations early this year to further deepen dialogue and cooperation. In this context, it was also suggested to establish a Parliamentary Friendship Group, to serve as an important platform to enhance collaboration between the legislatures of the two countries.  Ambassador Gunasekera also extending an invitation to Kazakhstan to participate in the Central Asia Dialogue to be scheduled in Colombo. The possibility of improving connectivity, including direct air links, and the signing of the Air Services Agreement was also highlighted as a vital step toward facilitating tourism and business exchanges between the two countries.

The discussion also noted that next year will mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Kazakhstan, providing an important opportunity to further elevate bilateral cooperation. Both sides emphasized the importance of expanding collaboration in multiple sectors such as trade and investment, tourism, energy cooperation, education, and cultural exchanges.

Discussions further touched on a possible visit by a business delegation from Kazakhstan for the International Expo in Sri Lanka to be held in June 2006.

Both sides expressed confidence that the longstanding friendship between the two nations will continue to grow in the years ahead through enhanced dialogue, economic cooperation, and deeper people-to-people connections.