Tokyo, Japan – In a statement on Tuesday, Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki revealed plans for a four-day diplomatic tour to Sri Lanka and Cambodia, scheduled from January 9th. The primary objective of the visit is to enhance Japan’s relations with these two Asian nations.
During his visit to Sri Lanka, which is currently facing financial challenges and is virtually in default, Minister Suzuki is expected to hold discussions with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The focus of these talks will be on exploring avenues for debt restructuring to alleviate the economic pressures faced by the South Asian country.
In a significant development in November, Sri Lanka, in collaboration with a group of creditors led by Japan, reached a preliminary agreement to defer debt repayments and reduce interest rates. Minister Suzuki emphasized the importance of maintaining steady progress in the debt-restructuring process during a press conference, underscoring Japan’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka through these challenging times.
In the second leg of his tour, Minister Suzuki will visit Cambodia, aiming to foster closer bilateral ties between Japan and the Southeast Asian nation. This initiative is particularly noteworthy as both countries commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in the current year.
The visit reflects Japan’s strategic approach to regional diplomacy and economic collaboration, reinforcing its commitment to promoting stability and cooperation in Asia.
Source: Jiji
