Mentioning the ongoing staff level discussions with the International Monetary Fund in Colombo, the Foreign Minister briefed the New Zealand Foreign Minister on the support being provided to Sri Lanka by bilateral donors as well as multilateral institutions in the provision of food, fuel and medicines.
He also stressed the importance of dealing with financial needs in the coming weeks. The New Zealand Foreign Minister has agreed to explore the possibility of obtaining assistance from New Zealand and the Commonwealth.
The Minister made a special mention of the supply chain and supplies and sought New Zealand's assistance in developing Sri Lanka's dairy and agro-based industries.
The Minister also explained how the economic challenges in Sri Lanka have been exacerbated by the impact of the Kovid-19 epidemic.
The two Ministers discussed possible cooperation in the fields of higher education and vocational education, with emphasis on areas such as computer and information technology where education is more relevant for livelihood.
They also discussed possible cooperation on maritime issues, taking into account the importance of both Sri Lanka and New Zealand on issues such as climate change, global warming and the conservation of marine resources.
The two Ministers also exchanged views on the future journey of the Commonwealth, a force for the good of mankind in the modern world.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs also held bilateral discussions with Dr. Kenneth Melchior Drew, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Diaspora Relations of the Dominican Republic, on working with the Caribbean on trade, tourism and international forums.
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