Sri Lanka Strengthens Ties with Brazil and Cuba

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Ambassadors of Brazil and Cuba to Sri Lanka paid courtesy calls on Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism, Arun Hemachandra, reaffirming their countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Sri Lanka.

During his meeting with Cuban Ambassador Andres Marcelo Gonzalez Garrido, both sides reflected on the longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and Cuba. 

Discussions included the proposed installation of a statue of Cuban national hero José Martí in Colombo, as well as cooperation in trade, investment, education, healthcare, culture, and mutual support in international forums. The two also emphasized the importance of high-level exchanges to further deepen ties.

In a separate meeting, Brazilian Ambassador Sergio Luiz Canaes discussed a wide range of collaborative initiatives with Deputy Minister Hemachandra. 

These included technical assistance from the Brazil Cooperation Agency (ABC) for Sri Lanka’s sugarcane and dairy livestock sectors, Sri Lanka’s interest in joining BRICS, the scheduling of the second round of political consultations, and the finalization of pending bilateral agreements. The two also explored opportunities in sports diplomacy and trade enhancement.

Both ambassadors expressed their full support for advancing bilateral relations, while Deputy Minister Hemachandra reaffirmed the new government’s commitment to strengthening ties with Latin America and the Caribbean for mutual benefit.

Diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Cuba were established in 1959, and with Brazil in 1960. All three countries maintain resident diplomatic missions in each other’s capitals.