New Zealand, Sri Lanka seek to deepen cooperation on trade, security, and development

New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters, after meeting his Sri Lankan counterpart Vijitha Herath, said the two countries shared views on the increasingly challenging global environment and the interconnected challenges for development, trade and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

- 

"We remain committed to our cooperation across immigration, customs, and police and defence," he said.

Relations between the two countries are long-standing, and trade dates from the 1860s and sporting connections to the 1920s. New Zealand was one of the first countries to recognise Sri Lanka's independence in 1948.

Our modern relationship is growing, thanks to investments by both countries. We are pleased that the establishment of New Zealand's High Commission in Colombo in 2021 was followed by the opening of a Sri Lankan High Commission in Wellington this year.