By Usha Muthusamy
KUALA LUMPUR, 10 July 2025: Malaysia and Sri Lanka have formally agreed to deepen their bilateral cooperation, focusing on critical areas including trade, tourism, education, and skilled labor. This significant commitment emerged from discussions between Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath. The high-level meeting took place on Thursday, July 10, during a courtesy call on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and its related sessions held in Kuala Lumpur.
Prime Minister Anwar underscored that this enhanced relationship would not only yield mutual benefits for both nations but also significantly contribute to broader regional stability and development. Minister Herath’s visit coincides with Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025, operating under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” which frames the diplomatic agenda.
The 58th AMM, a four-day high-level gathering, has brought together approximately 1,500 delegates. Attendees include Foreign Ministers from ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste, alongside representatives from ASEAN dialogue partners, regional forum participants, sectoral dialogue partners, and senior officials from the ASEAN Secretariat. The discussions between Malaysia and Sri Lanka reflect the broader collaborative spirit of the ongoing regional summit.
