Photo: Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, H.E Mr Ali Sabry and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor
Photo credit: Jacoline Schooness/DIRCO
23 March 2023
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, hosted a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, H.E Mr Ali Sabry, who has undertaken a Study Visit to South Africa from 21 – 25 March 2023.
Minister Ali Sabry is leading a fact-finding delegation to South Africa to study South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and related processes that South Africa underwent in its quest towards a non-racist, non-sexist, democratic South Africa.
Sri Lanka committed to undergo a similar process following the end of its three-decade civil war in 2009.
During the meeting, Minister Sabry briefed Minister Pandor on developments in Sri Lanka relating to the country’s nation-building and reconciliation programme, and the objectives of undertaking this study tour.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr. Naledi Pandor delivered remarks during a meeting with her Sri Lankan Counterpart, Minister Ali Sabry at OR Tambo Building, Pretoria.
The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka established diplomatic relations with the Republic of South Africa on 12 September 1994. Sri Lanka opened its resident diplomatic mission in Pretoria on 1 October 1997, whilst South Africa opened its resident diplomatic mission in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in September 2007.
South Africa attaches great importance to its historic relationship with Sri Lanka in particular Sri Lanka’s solidarity and support for South Africa’s liberation struggle.
Bilateral relations between the two countries are cordial and conducted under the umbrella of the structured Partnership Forum (PF) that was established through the signing of the Agreement on the Establishment of a Partnership Forum on 1 December 2003. The last session (the 8th) of the Partnership Forum was held, virtually, on 15 February 2022 and it is expected that Sri Lanka will convene the 9th session of the PF at a mutually agreed date during 2023.
South Africa and Sri Lanka also share more cooperation on the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) as both countries are members of the organisation. IORA is currently the Chair of the Working Group on Maritime Safety and Security till 2027, IORA Vice Chair for 2021-2023 and will take over as the IORA Chair this year.
#SASriLankaRelations🇿🇦🇱🇰
#SASrilankaRelations
#SriLankaInSA