Sri Lanka, Israel hold bilateral trade talks

Colombo, April 23 (IANS) Sri Lanka and Israel have held their first bilateral consultation on enhancing trade ties, authorities said.

This came immediately after Palestinian President Muhammad Abbas toured Sri Lanka and signed several agreements, reported Xinhua.

Discussions were held between External Affairs Secretary Karunatilaka Amunugama and Ruth Kahanoff, head of Asia and the Pacific department of Israeli foreign ministry, a statement released by Sri Lankan external affairs ministry said here Monday.

Both were heading their respective delegation at bilateral consultations.

The two sides discussed ways and means of promoting bilateral relations and opportunities for further cooperation in various fields such as agriculture, tourism, trade and employment.

"They also expressed confidence that the annual consultations will provide a solid platform to further strengthen their multifaceted relations and promote closer economic cooperation for mutual benefit," the statement said.

Israel has also agreed to offer more employment opportunities for Sri Lankans.