Foreign Minister Samaraweera visits Brussels

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mangala Samaraweera, concluded a two day official visit to Brussels today, a statement from the ministry said. Foreign Minister Samaraweera met Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Didier Reynders and members of the European Parliament. He also held talks with the European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs & Fisheries, Mr. Karmenu Vella, and the European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Mr. Neven Mimica. Discussions focused on strengthening Sri Lanka’s relations with the European Union and Belgium, the steps Sri Lanka has taken and will take to comply with international fishing regulations and the process of requalifying for GSP+ tariff concessions. During the fruitful meetings the European Commission offered Sri Lanka assistance in meeting the regulatory requirements that would enable an early lifting of the ban on fish exports to the EU and displayed strong interest in expanding socio-economic ties and development programmes. Minister Samaraweera was accompanied by Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Mr. Nimal Hettiarachchi, and former Ambassador to the EU, Mr. P.M. Amza.