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Expand existing relations, explore new areas of cooperation: Israeli Envoy
Israel is keen to expand existing relations with Sri Lanka and explore new areas of cooperation including military ties, if there is potential, said Israel’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Daniel Carmon.
Ambassador Carmon: The potential for military cooperation always exists. Pic by Indika Handuwala
Ambassador Carmon who is concurrently accredited to India and Sri Lanka, and based in New Delhi, was here to celebrate Israel’s 67th National Day. In a brief interview with the Sunday Times, Ambassador Carmon said the two countries were now poised to take relations to a new era.
“The areas of cooperation specifically discussed during my visit are agriculture, water and foreign employment, where we can expand cooperation,” he said.With over 7,000 Sri Lankans employed in Israel, mainly as caregivers to elders, the Ambassador said Lankan workers are much appreciated by the public of his country.
“This is a group of people who are much appreciated in Israel. We know the employment of these people by Israel is important for the Sri Lankan economy, while at the same time their presence is important for us. This partnership is a win-win situation for both countries,” he said.
The Ambassador said the mechanism in Sri Lanka to train workers going overseas, which enables them to familiarise with the culture and traditions of the host countries, with some basic language skills, is highly commendable.
During his stay, Ambassador Carmon met with Minister of Foreign Employment Talatha Atukorala, to discuss more employment opportunities for Lankans in Israel.
He also met with Agriculture Minister Duminda Dissanayaka and discussed how Israeli expertise and know-how can be lent to Sri Lanka.
Asked about future military cooperation between the two countries, Ambassador Carmon said it was there in the past and it’s a very well known fact. If the need arises, it could always be part of the multi-faceted relationship between the two countries.
He added there is a new battleground in the world called terrorism, and a new area called homeland security which countries have to face. “It is not part of the current agenda, but the potential (for military cooperation) always exists,” Ambassador Carmon said.
He added that, other than the government-to-government contacts, there was potential for development in business relations. “We are looking to further expand trade relations between the two countries,” he added.
During his visit, the Ambassador also met with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, as well as the Secretary General of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Mangala Yapa.
Full-fledged diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Israel were established in 2000, with the opening of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Tel Aviv. Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited Israel in 2014, becoming the first Lankan head of State to visit that country.