A Meeting was Held between the Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha
A meeting between Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev and Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha was held yesterday (20th) at the Govijana Mandiraya.
The Minister expressed his views while welcoming the Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and its representatives.
“Your visit reflects the growing relationship between Sri Lanka and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and provides an important opportunity to further strengthen our relationship and explore practical pathways for future cooperation.
Sri Lanka greatly values its long-standing partnership with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. As the first partner of the organisation, Sri Lanka recognizes the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation as an important platform that promotes regional cooperation, sustainable development, and the collective aspirations of South-South cooperation.
We appreciate the remarkable growth and influence of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation as one of the world’s leading regional organizations, and we value its continued efforts to enhance economic cooperation, food security, agricultural modernization, and sustainable rural development among its member states and partners.
Agriculture remains a fundamental component of Sri Lanka’s economy, livelihoods, and national food security agenda. Building on this cooperation, we see significant potential for deepening collaboration with SCO member states in areas such as agricultural technology, climate-resilient agriculture, fertilizer cooperation, livestock development, research partnerships, value-added products, food processing, agricultural mechanization, and market access.
We are also encouraged by the ongoing discussions within the SCO framework regarding initiatives that support economic integration and development, and Sri Lanka remains committed to contributing effectively to these efforts.”
The Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Nurlan Yermekbayev, also expressed his views.
“This is a very joyful and pleasing occasion. The rapid development process that Sri Lanka has achieved at this point, together with the strong economy and the standing gained internationally, are a source of great satisfaction. Sri Lanka is at a moment where the living standards of the general public are gradually improving.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation operates as an international intergovernmental organization. Within this organisation there are 27 members, 15 associated institutions, and 2 observers. The organisation covers 25% of the world economy and 40% of the total land area of the globe. The general process of this organization covers all sectors. Every sector such as law, agriculture, social conditions, and culture is covered within the processes of this organization.
Sri Lanka is a valued partner of ours. We must move forward together with sustainable agriculture and the incorporation of new agricultural programmes as the main areas. There are special programmes related to plant breeding. The next chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation will be held by Pakistan. Hon.Minister is invited to the ministerial meeting to be held in Pakistan.”
The following officials participated in this occasion and also expressed their views: Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Plantation Industries (Tea Development), Additional Secretary of the Irrigation Development Division, Additional Secretary of the Livestock Development Division, Additional Secretary of the Fertilizer Development Division, Director General of the Department of Cinnamon Development, Director General of the Department of Export Agriculture, and Director General of the Department of Animal Production and Health.
