Sri Lanka and the UAE agreed to explore bilateral trade links with an emphasis on investment in agriculture and tourism development, as well as cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Development Fund, during the UAE Foreign Minister, Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan’s official visit to Sri Lanka on June 13.

He also congratulated the Government, its leadership and the Sri Lankan people on the military victory over the LTTE terrorist group, emphasizing that the Government had defeated a terrorist organization that not only terrorized Sri Lanka but also posed a threat to the region.

During the discussions, Mr.Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan has agreed to the establishment of a Joint Commission at bilateral talks held between the two countries.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of UAE to support Sri Lanka as it embarks on a new agenda of post – conflict development of the nation. In this context, he expressed his hope that the proposed Joint Commission between the UAE and Sri Lanka would be able to convene its first meeting by October this year.