Lanka, Uzbekistan sign MoU to deepen bilateral ties

Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a formal framework for regular bilateral consultations and enhanced cooperation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The agreement was signed during the first round of political consultations between the two countries held in Tashkent last week.

The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Aruni Ranaraja, while the Uzbek side was headed by First Deputy Foreign Minister Bakhrom Aloyev.

According to the Ministry, the MoU reflects the shared commitment of both countries to deepen bilateral engagement and strengthen institutional links across areas of mutual interest.

During the consultations, the two sides reviewed the state of bilateral relations, exchanged views on regional and international issues and identified new avenues for cooperation.

Foreign Secretary Ranaraja said Sri Lanka was keen to expand its engagement with Central Asia, particularly Uzbekistan, citing the country's strategic location linking Asia and Europe, its ongoing economic transformation and its growing role in regional connectivity.

Trade, tourism, logistics and education were identified as priority sectors for cooperation, with both sides agreeing on the need to diversify bilateral trade, increase trade volumes and promote investment opportunities.

The discussions also noted the commencement of seasonal charter flights from Uzbekistan to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Tourism was invited to participate in the Tashkent International Tourism Fair scheduled for September 2026.

On the sidelines of the consultations, Ranaraja met Uzbekistan's Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, Shokhrukh K. Gulamov, and the two sides agreed to explore greater cooperation in apparel manufacturing, tea packaging, seafood exports, and the gem and jewellery sector.

She also held separate meetings with Deputy Minister of Sports Avaz Karimov, Chairman and Adviser to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Alisher Shaykhov, and Deputy Chairman of the Tourism Committee Sandjar Tadjiev to discuss expanding cooperation in sports, trade, investment and tourism.

The second round of political consultations is scheduled to be held in Colombo in 2027.