Sabry says SL intends to become RCEP member

Sri Lanka wants to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world's most significant free trade area with 15 countries. The RCEP started on January 1, 2022, and has been open to new members since July 1, 2023. Sri Lanka has expressed interest in joining and submitted a Letter of Intent to the ASEAN Secretariat.

 

 

Foreign Affairs Minister M.U.M. Ali Sabry led the Sri Lanka delegation to the 30th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia. The ARF promotes regional development and prosperity through open and inclusive dialogue and addresses security and peace challenges. Sri Lanka has been an ARF member since 2007.

 

 

During the forum, Sabry highlighted areas of cooperation important to Sri Lanka, including maritime security, disaster management, defence-related measures, and sustaining regional economic growth. He also had bilateral meetings with foreign ministers from Australia, Indonesia, Mongolia, and others to discuss mutual interests.

 

 

Additionally, he met with the Indonesian Minister of Finance, the National Agency for Combating Terrorism (BNPT) of Indonesia, and the Sri Lankan business community in Indonesia.

 

 

The Sri Lanka delegation included the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Indonesia, Jayanath Colombage, and Waruna Wilpatha from the Foreign Ministry.