Belarus is strengthening contacts with its Asian partners. Aleksandr Lukashenko held a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Overseas Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka. Vijitha Herath is on an official visit to Belarus. The countries are open to developing cooperation in various fields, as was discussed in Minsk the day before. Today, Aleksandr Lukashenko is calling on his partners to identify specific areas of cooperation, which will serve as the basis for a roadmap for collaboration. Several important steps have already been taken to facilitate closer ties. Since 25 May, Sri Lanka has introduced a visa-free regime for Belarusian citizens. An agreement on air travel has also been signed and direct regular flights are planned. The trade between Minsk and Colombo is not particularly active, with a current value of around $20 mln. However, there is potential for increased trade in services. Plans are underway to increase the export of educational services. Sri Lankan students are studying medical fields in Belarusian universities, and there is also interest in engineering and agricultural professions.
