Pretoria - South Africa and Sri Lanka are to strengthen bilateral relations during International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana Mashabane's two-day visit to that country.
According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the visit on Wednesday is within the context of deepening South-South cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations between South Africa and Sri Lanka.
"In addition the visit will afford the minister an opportunity for greater understanding of the political, social and economic dynamics in Sri Lanka, following the end of civil strife in May 2009," the department said.
Among the issues to be discussed between Nkoana Mashabane and her Sri Lankan counterpart will include dates for the 3rd South Africa - Sri Lanka Partnership Forum in 2010, regional Issues and multilateral cooperation.
The minister will be supported by Deputy Director General for Middle East and Asia, Ambassador Jerry Matjila and senior government officials.
Relations with Sri Lanka remain cordial but there is great potential for even stronger ties between South Africa and Sri Lanka.
Diplomatic relations with Sri Lanka were formally established on 12 September 1994 through the exchange of Diplomatic Notes.
