Speaker Meets French Senate Delegation to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Sri Lanka’s Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne recently held discussions in Parliament with a delegation from the France–Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group of the French Senate.

The meeting focused on further strengthening long-standing bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and France, built on decades of mutual cooperation and shared values.

The French delegation included Friendship Group Chair Vanina Paoli-Gagin, Vice Chair Didier Marie, and Senator Laurence Muller-Bronn, along with other officials.

Welcoming the delegation, the Speaker highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation. He also expressed appreciation for France’s support to Sri Lanka following the Tidwa cyclone.

Discussions also covered economic cooperation, with France continuing to be a key tourism market for Sri Lanka. The Speaker emphasized improving air connectivity, including strengthening ties with Air France.

He further acknowledged continued support through the GSP+ scheme and expressed confidence in expanding trade and industrial growth through enhanced collaboration.

The talks also addressed cooperation in emerging areas such as maritime security and the development of the blue economy, highlighting growing strategic importance for both nations.