Bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Hungary must be enhanced to a higher level, observed Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, Minister of Foreign Affairs, when Dr. Geza Palmai, Ambassador for Hungary paid a courtesy call on Monday (25th August 2008), following his presentation of credentials to President Mahinda Rajapaksa earlier in the day.

They discussed the possibilities of encouraging Hungarian companies to establish joint ventures in Sri Lanka, developing value added products already being traded with Sri Lanka and exchanging visits of joint trade and investment delegations between the two countries. Minister Bogollagama highlighted the importance of promoting tourist arrivals from Hungary, and proposed investment in the hotel industry of Sri Lanka. He also sought Hungarian investment in infrastructure development projects in Sri Lanka.

Ambassador Palmai referring to the vast potential in the two economies, pledged to forge stronger links between the business communities of Sri Lanka and Hungary. He underscored the importance of Asia for Hungary and pointed out the need for political consultations at a high level in order to further consolidate bilateral relations. The Sri Lanka-Hungary Parliamentary Friendship Group was acknowledged as a springboard for this purpose, to complement the high level bilateral contacts between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs.