A cordial and productive discussion aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation between Sri Lanka and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was held at the Ministry of Fisheries recently.
The meeting took place between Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekhar, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, and H.E. Khalid bin Hamoud Al-Kahtani, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Sri Lanka.
During the meeting, Ambassador Al-Kahtani expressed his country’s willingness to enhance relations with Sri Lanka through technical collaboration, investment expansion, and knowledge exchange to modernize the fisheries and marine sectors.
Minister Chandrasekhar commended the remarkable progress achieved by Saudi Arabia under its “Vision 2030” development plan, particularly in the areas of aquaculture, fisheries management, marine research, and aquatic resource development. He emphasized that Sri Lanka is dedicated to advancing its blue economy by capitalizing on its rich marine biodiversity and strategic location in the Indian Ocean.
The discussions covered a wide range of key areas, including aquaculture development, technology transfer, bilateral cooperation in shrimp farming technologies, fisheries biosecurity, and technical assistance in feed production and design.
Minister Chandrasekhar also highlighted the attractive investment opportunities available for Saudi investors in Sri Lanka’s fisheries and aquatic sectors, alongside the government’s supportive policies encouraging foreign participation.
Both sides explored possibilities for technical and educational exchanges, joint marine research initiatives, and training programs for young technical professionals.
The meeting was attended by Dr. B.K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, and representatives from the Saudi Embassy.
Minister Chandrasekhar expressed confidence that this bilateral engagement would pave the way for sustainable marine resource management and make a significant contribution to Sri Lanka’s maritime economic development.
