Colombo (TDI): Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Nurlan Yermekbayev, held talks with Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, on Wednesday during an official visit to Colombo.
The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister expressed strong interest in expanding cooperation with the SCO and participating in multilateral initiatives, particularly in the fields of tourism and transport connectivity.
He noted that the visit of the SCO Secretary-General would help further strengthen engagement between Colombo and the organisation.
Both sides also discussed the broader global situation during their meeting. The Secretary-General briefed the Sri Lankan minister on ongoing SCO activities and updates on preparations for the upcoming Council of Heads of State meeting, scheduled to be held in Bishkek from August 31 to September 1, 2026.
Read More: SCO Think Tanks Forum Kicks Off in Bishkek on Global Order
He also conveyed decisions made by SCO leaders regarding the statuses of “Observer” and “SCO Dialogue Partner,” adopted during the recent Tianjin SCO Summit.
The two sides held a detailed exchange of views on ways to expand Sri Lanka’s engagement with the organisation, including potential participation in SCO programmes and initiatives.
Discussions also covered institutional modernisation and the strengthening of the SCO’s legal and operational framework.
Both parties identified strong potential for cooperation in tourism, agriculture, transport, and logistics, while noting growing interest among Sri Lankan institutions in participating in SCO-related events and activities.
Read More: SCO’s Deputy Secretary General Delivers a Lecture at Bukhara State University
Minister Herath reaffirmed Colombo’s readiness to further deepen cooperation with the SCO, expressing optimism about future collaboration. The talks were described as friendly and constructive by both sides.
