By Raisa Wickrematunge

Sri Lanka is looking at the possibility of a trade agreement with Bahrain following the opening of a new embassy there, according to Director General of Public Communication for the Ministry of External Affairs, Rodney Perera.

Perera said that the President as well as the Ministry of External Affairs is keen to establish a formal link between the two countries to facilitate a series of discussions between Government and the private sector for closer engagement between the two countries.

Previously, there had been limited dialogue in Bahrain and the surrounding regions despite there being an estimated 25000 Sri Lankans in Bahrain, Perera said.

The new embassy could lead to future investment and trade agreements, Perera added. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will invite the Foreign Minister of Bahrain in order to cement relations between the two countries.

Ambassador and career diplomat R. M. A. Rajakaruna took up duties on Thursday (30) when the embassy officially opened. Deputy Minister of External Affairs, Neomal Perera was present at the opening.