Sri Lanka and Brazil successfully agree to elevate bilateral trade to $ 1 b

Wednesday, 1 April 2026 00:26 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Tourism Ministry Secretary Aruni Ranaraja (right) with Foreign Affairs Ministry of Brazil Secretary – Asia and the Pacific Susan Kleebank

The Second Round of Bilateral Political Consultations between Sri Lanka and Brazil were held on 20 March 2026 at the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry in Colombo, marking an important step in further strengthening the longstanding and friendly relations between the two countries. The meeting was co-chaired by the Ministry Secretary Aruni Ranaraja and Foreign Affairs Ministry of Brazil Secretary – Asia and the Pacific Ambassador Susan Kleebank.

The consultations provided an opportunity to review the progress achieved since the First Round of Bilateral Political Consultations held in 2022 and identify further areas for possible collaborations.

During the discussions, while acknowledging the steady growth in economic cooperation, the two sides agreed to elevate bilateral trade to $ 1 billion by 2030. Both countries also emphasised the importance of broadening engagement in response to evolving global economic dynamics.

Recognising the value of expediting the conclusion of pending MoUs and Agreements in key areas to further strengthen ties, the parties committed to finalising outstanding legal instruments on defence, law enforcement, countering human smuggling and transnational organised crime, traditional and Ayurvedic medicine, and diplomatic training. The two sides expressed satisfaction that the Dairy Livestock Project and the Sugarcane Project under the framework of technical cooperation have been finalised and are expected to be signed in the near future, with the support of the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC).

Preparations for President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s forthcoming state visit to Brazil were also discussed at the meeting. Noting the importance of enhancing parliamentary diplomacy and fostering closer ties between the legislatures, the two sides agreed to revive the Parliamentary Friendship Groups and exchange delegations. In this regard, a women parliamentary group from the Brazilian legislature is expected to visit Sri Lanka.

The discussions also identified new avenues for cooperation in priority sectors, including agriculture, animal husbandry, agricultural research, ports and shipping, and sports. Both sides also agreed to continue the close collaboration in bilateral and multilateral forums.

Ambassador Susan Kleebank also called on Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The delegations to the political consultations also included Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Brazil Chaminda I. Colonne, Embassy of Brazil Chargé d’ Affaires Monica Maria Meirelles Nasser, senior officials from the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry and the relevant line Agencies.