http://www.priu.gov.lk/news_update/Current_Affairs/ca201306/20130606sl_new_zealand_foreign_min_discuss_diary_cooperation.htm

Thursday, June 06, 2013 - 05.08 GMT

Sri Lanka – New Zealand Foreign Ministers discuss diary cooperation

External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris had bilateral discussions with Mr. Murray McCully, Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, at his Ministry yesterday. The Ministers discussed the arrangements being made by Sri Lanka to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Colombo in November this year, and the preparations for the three accompanying events ̶ the Business Forum, the Youth Forum and the People’s Forum. Dairy development was a subject discussed by the Ministers. New Zealand has provided assistance for dairy development and has worked closely with the Ministry of Livestock Development. Minister Peiris suggested a formal bilateral assistance programme in this field. A New Zealand company, Fonterra, is already active, and has provided employment to many families through dairy production. Kurunegala, Hanwella, Dikoya, Wariyapola and Dambulla have been identified as appropriate areas to expand dairy production. The scope for further co-operation in tertiary education was discussed. Two New Zealand universities, Massey and the University of Canterbury in Christchurch are currently providing courses in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has provided the draft of a Bilateral Air Services Agreement to New Zealand. An Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) to strengthen opportunities for further investments was discussed. Co-operation in the fields of tourism and control of illegal migration, especially within the framework of the Bali process, formed part of the discussion between the two Ministers.