The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with Geopolitical Cartographer, will host the Central Asia Forum on August 21, 2024, in Colombo. Positioned strategically, Central Asia is set to play a pivotal role in the future of Eurasian connectivity, and the forum is expected to provide perspectives and insights that will shape Sri Lanka’s engagement with the region.
The event will consist of two sessions, focusing on the strategic importance of Central Asia within Eurasia and beyond, with a particular emphasis on the development of new transport and logistics corridors. As Sri Lanka aims to strengthen its economic ties with the region, the forum will address the opportunities and challenges ahead, emphasizing the potential for synergies that can drive mutual growth and prosperity.
This forum follows the recent decision to establish a resident diplomatic mission of Sri Lanka in Kazakhstan and the conclusion of Foreign Office consultations with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan.
Opening remarks will be provided by Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Aruni Wijewardane, followed by an address from Minister of Foreign Affairs, M U M Ali Sabry, highlighting Sri Lanka’s priorities in the region.
The event will bring together policymakers, thought leaders, business leaders, and experts, including Ambassador Doulat Kuanyshev, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and Expert at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Secretariat; Erik Solheim, International Advisory Council Member at Geopolitical Cartographer; Darkhan Seitenov, Deputy Head of Mission at the Kazakhstan Embassy in New Delhi; Ravinatha Aryasinha, Executive Director of LKI; Dr. Ganeshan Wignaraja, Board Member at Geopolitical Cartographer; Duminda Hulangamuwa, Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce; and Krishan Thilakaratne, Director of LOLC-Central Asia, for insightful discussions on the emerging opportunities in the region.
